A very ordinary film

Rating: 2/10 (9 October 2009)

This film was a very big disappointment, especially coming from a director of Michael Mann's reputation. There was little in Dillinger's character to empathise with and Johnnny Depp did nothing to make the role interesting. The self indulgent directing and photography made it a difficult film to focus on at times. Also the way most of the players mumbled their way through their lines made it tedious to listen to. The American gangster has been portrayed so brilliantly by such giants as Cagney, Bogart, and George Raft, that I am surprised that Mr Mann decided to make this film. Especially as it told us nothing new about Dillinger. In fact it seemed to be trying to turn a cold blooded killer into a sympathetic character. A film which did succeed in arousing sympathy for murderous thieves was 'Bonny and Clyde.' But then it would be very easy to make a list of gangster films that stand the test of time and head and shoulders above this long and boring offering. I am sure that it will soon be forgotten.