Movie Review: 'Public Enemies'

**** out of 5
140 minutes
Rated R for gangster violence and some language.
Universal



Marion Cotillard first caught my attention as the pregnant wife of Billy Crudup in Tim Burton’s “Big Fish” back in 2003. After seeing her in just a handful of scenes I could tell she was someone to watch. The same year she starred in a French romantic dark comedy called “Love Me If You Dare” and not only was she hilarious but she was also able to make you understand how a character could possibly want to embark in such dangerous extremes to prove your affection. Even just seeing her name listed in the credits for Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s “A Very Long Engagement” piqued my interest even more than the film being from the director of “Amelie.” Now she steals a Hollywood summer movie right out from under the feet of two of the biggest stars working today.


“Public Enemies” may boast the names Johnny Depp and Christian Bale along with prominently featuring said actors on their very own posters, but the heart and soul of this film comes from the performance of Marion Cotillard. Whether she’s being swept off her feet by the suave and risky John Dillinger or being brutalized in a Q & A session with the Feds, she truly holds her own and proves that her Oscar win for her performance as Edith Piaf in “La vie en rose” was no fluke.

She also rejoins her “Big Fish” costar Billy Crudup who stars as J. Edgar Hoover trying to get a start to his soon-to-be FBI with his G-Men running cross country trying to capture Public Enemy No. 1, John Dillinger (Depp). At the helm of these newly appointed lawmen is Melvin Purvis (Bale) after he takes down one of the biggest names in crime, Pretty Boy Floyd (Channing Tatum, probably more enjoyable here in a single chase scene than in all of the upcoming “G.I. Joe”). With their new age tactics and scientific methods they plan to declare the first war on crime and get their men.

One night while out on the town, John Dillinger casts his eyes on the prettiest face on the dance floor, Billie Frechette (Cotillard) and decides that she is the woman for him. After a hot night together Dillinger is found out and caught by the Purvis' team. After Dillinger manages to escape and Purvis lets Baby Face Nelson slip through his fingers the race is on for Purvis to get his men and prove face to keep his position under Hoover’s rule.

The performances throughout are incredible and its very nice to sit back and enjoy a movie that takes some time with its characters instead of spending every cent of the budget on blowing anything they can find to smithereens. The only real problem with the movie are a few cases of bad pacing and a shoot out in the woods at a cabin that just seems to go on and on and on. Also, through the use of HD cameras used for filming some of the film has such a realistic look to it that it feels like you’re right in the middle of all the action. But after having seen the film projected digitally in a theater and watching promo spots on TV it appears to look different depending on which medium you’re viewing. There could be a chance for a fantastic Blu-ray release if they use the transfer from the television commercials, it looks way better.

So if you are in the mood for a character study and want to see a movie that demands you don’t just check your brain at the door then “Public Enemies” is the perfect movie for you. In the wake of a pretty dismal summer that’s only boasted possibly two great entertainments, “Star Trek” and “Up,” sitting through a film as interesting and put together so well “Public Enemies” is a real treat. Oh, and all you “Lost” fans out there keep an eye open for our favorite pregnant Aussie, Claire (Emilie de Ravin).