Decent but flawed

Rating: 7/10 (20 July 2009)

I was reminded of the film Bonnie & Clyde in which we see a vast expanse of the great plains with grass blowing in the wind, and then a shadow of a cloud rolls across the grass creating an effect of vast isolation for the criminals. A vastness that goes on forever giving the feel that raises the question of what are the criminals escaping to? The latest film staring Johnny Depp as John Dillinger directed by Michael Mann is a decent period film with the costumes, set designs and locations but has a feel of claustrophobia. The camera never really lets us see the whole surroundings of the bank robbers or the G-Men. Everything is up close and tight with a little camera shake at times plus the characters seem to be always in the dark even when it's daytime. Maybe that is what Mann wanted, to give a feel of not knowing what is around you, of always looking over your shoulder. Depp is good as always playing Dillinger and there is never a short supply of action. One interesting scene has Johnny walking into a police station and then precedes to walk slowly around the desks looking at mug shots of his gang, and even asks a group of cops(who do not even recognize him) listening to a ball game on the radio what the score is. Now do you suppose this really happened? As public enemy number one I doubt very much Dillinger would have been that stupid or careless. In any case this is still a watchable film with good performances all around....I just wish that camera would have opened up a little bit.