Disappointmet

Rating: 4/10 (9 July 2009)

I want to love Public Enemies and Johnny Depp as Dillinger but Michael Mann refuses to allow me such pleasures. His "style" of hand held film-making does not work here. It is a clash of genres. Unlike "The Untouchables" by DePalma. Classy, elegant film-making even with a David Mamet script that was overly simplistic at times. "Just like a wop to bring a knife to a gun fight" while we knew Sean Connery was going to get blown away it still made me feel for the guy. This film makes me feel noting for Depp or Bale. In fact, it makes me angry at both characters for being semi-idiotic. And on top of it is the full on hand held photography combined with the rock and roll score. It just doesn't make sense. Depp had the chance to get his Oscar here but Mann blew it. His ego must drive him to be felt in every frame. "Hey, here I am, I am the director". "Look at me!!!!" It's a shame. F you Michael Mann. You are lucky you've come this far. Go to church and thank God you still work.