Enjoyable But Familiar Gangster Flick Of Infamous Thirties Bank Robber

Rating: 5/10 (8 October 2013)

In Depression-era thirties America, John Dillinger is a notorious bank robber and public enemy number one for the federal Division of Investigation. Thriving on celebrity status, how long can Dillinger carry on evading the G-men ?
As gangster movies go this is an enjoyable and well made crime story, but doesn't have either the style or the richness of atmosphere I'd expect from a director of Mann's talent. In particular, the visual tone is erratic, ranging from excellent period costumes and some sharp, beautifully designed scenes (notably the early bank heist) through to rushed, shaky moments, culminating in a big shootout at a forest lodge which looks like it was shot with a cheap camcorder. This might be innovative and daring, but for a movie with a hundred million dollar budget I want more for my money. The liability with the Dillinger story for me is that while it was shocking and sensational at the time it occurred, it's become the formula for so many gangster pictures since that a new version struggles to add anything. The cast are good, with Depp charismatic in the lead, half-smiling, half-sneering his way through the role, and a strong support ensemble, notably Lang as Texan lawman Charles Winstead. Perhaps the best aspect of the movie is Elliot Goldenthal's excellent traditional score, because it's this which wrings the emotion out of the story more than anything else. In a movie where it's hard to care much about anybody, it's the music which reminds us how to feel. Shot in some beautiful Wisconsin locations, this is reasonable fare for the undiscerning crime film enthusiast or US history buff. For other movie versions of this story, check out John Milius' 1973 Dillinger, or Lewis Teague's 1979 The Lady In Red; neither are as authentic (or expensive) as Mann's movie, but both are a lot more fun.