Public Enemy No.1
July 8, 2009
lifewithphilly
Tags: Actors, Entertainment, Johnny Depp, Movies, New Movies, Reviews
John Dillinger. That’s who’s Public Enemy number one. At least according to the movie based on his life, starring Johnny Depp, who plays Dillinger. I am not an action movie fan. But Johnny Depp, those are the golden words that convinced me that I needed to go see this movie. And WOW! Anyone who is a regular movie watcher, or has seen anything with Johnny Depp knows that he has IT. Talent, that is. He is probably one of the most talented and definitely most popular actors around today. He does this partly, by taking every character he plays and making it his own. He puts a personal stamp on it, in a way so that no one could ever play that character ever again. And with Dillinger, he did it again. Johnny Depp stepped in to the role of John Dillinger and became the character.
The movie is set during the Great Depression and Dillinger is portrayed as a public hero, his claim to fame: robbing banks. But in the Depression the banks were the bad guys, they were the ones that were repossessing everyone’s possessions and money, so Dillinger as he stole from them, won his way into the public’s heart. But he wasn’t Robing Hood. He stole for himself, because he was essentially a criminal. That doesn’t matter though. Not to the public or to the movie watchers. Everyone wants to see this bank robber win. Against the good guys. The movie is essentially a race against Dillinger and Melvin Pervis (Christian Bale), a federal agent assigned to lead the Dillinger Squad. Pervis builds a team of the most qualified agents in the country and has on hand the most modern scientific developments in criminology at hand. He is certain that he will win, eventually. Dillinger is just as certain that he won’t. Just like he tells Billy (Marion Cotillard), “I am going to die and old man in your arms.” She believes him, and so do we. It is impossible not to believe this man is capable of accomplishing anything.
Five stars. The movie was perfect. Every character was played convincingly and you could feel yourself in the Depression era. Not as someone suffering through the hard times, but as someone like Dillinger, doing what he needed to do to survive. Not that you would believe even for a second that he was only leading a life of crime because he had no other choice. No, it was made clear that he enjoyed doing this, that this was what he was good at. Robbing banks and living in the public eye. He almost makes you want to be a criminal. He makes you wonder just for a moment, what it would be like to lead a life of crime, to take that ride with him. I KNOW it would be amazing.
Entry Filed under: Movies
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1.
Omnesion |
July 12, 2009 at 3:18 am
I’ve just created a post on my blog http://dougbond.wordpress.com regarding which Johnny Depp movie’s are people’s favorite’s. I loved “Public Enemies”, but it was hardly his best movie…actually, I tend to think that some of the least seen movie’s he’s made are perhap’s some of his best…”The Libertine” come’s to mind. In any case, let me know what you think and if at all possible, post some link’s on my blog to some interesting Johnny Depp info…alway’s a fan of JD! Thank’s and PEACE!
2.
lifewithphilly |
July 12, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I haven’t seen “The Libertine” infact I have never even heard of it…but I know what you mean about picking a favourite movie from him. There are so many options. If I find some links I will post them on your blogs.
3.
Omnesion |
July 13, 2009 at 11:18 pm
I agree…Johnny D definately put’s his stamp on every character he play’s, yet he can change skin’s so easily (at least he make’s it LOOK easy!). Loved it and I recommend PE to anyone who hasn’t seen it yet!