Peaks and valleys of brilliance and mediocrity

Rating: 6/10 (25 June 2009)

Public Enemies was about what you'd expect from a Michael Mann film, some expert camera work, fantastic shootouts early in the film, and two top billed actors working on opposite ends of the law. The shootouts and action sequences are without any further comments excellent almost across the board.
Unfortunately the movie really fails at figuring out what message it is trying to convey. Does the movie want us to sympathize with Dillinger or Purvis? What roll does J Edgar Hoover ultimately play in the film (played brilliantly by Billy Crudup who is fast becoming a go to actor)?
Characters appear and disappear, and the movie seems to have to much to say and too little time to say it. Dialogue consists of characters that speak to each other in threats until someone caves. For this movie to rise to the next level it needed characters to stand out that the audience could latch onto besides Dillinger, Purvis, and Dillinger's love interest, Billie (who is somewhat bland). Instead the cast often seemed one dimensional, and consisting of either pure confidence or pure panic.
A big disappointment in the film was Depp's performance which was empty. Since he is such an eccentric actor, you as an audience member expect more charisma or at least depth, which he lacked throughout.
On the other end of the spectrum Purvis, played by Bale, was absolutely spot on brilliant, as a law enforcement official who doesn't need to say much, but when he does officers show him respect no matter what. Unfortunately, his entire performance, and perhaps the actions of Purvis historically, are undermined at the end of the film, which I will not spoil, but I will say a very poor directorial choice was made in one frame that left me scratching my head for hours.
Final word: Public Enemies has a lot of good qualities such as great camera work and some really compelling action sequences, but it wants to be a combination of "Bonnie and Clyde," "Heat," and "The Untouchables."
It isn't as good as Bonnie and Clyde, and Depp is no Beatty, The action sequences are in the same league as Heat at times, but not quite as good, and the film juggles too many characters and therefore loses the clarity and the ultimate message of the Untouchables. I wish Public Enemies had decided early on what type of film it wanted to be, because it all of the elements of a masterpiece, but ultimately fell short.
2.5/4 stars. 6/10