Gangster's Paradise

Rating: 9/10 (7 July 2009)

In true Michael Mann fashion, he has given the 1930s a reboot with his action infused, crime drama about the rise and fall of one of America's most notorious Gangster's, John Dillinger. This film has all the clothing, cars, and guns a film about the 30s could ask for. I've heard this film called an action movie, but really it's not. Granted the action is top of the line and possibly the most memorable aspect of the film, but it's not a complete action-packed extravaganza.
John Dillinger was the result of the gang scene from Chicago led by Al Capone during the prohibition era. Dillinger started somewhat small and grew to national fame, catching the attention of the FBI for his lightning quick robberies and evasions from law enforcement. He was efficient, skilled, and ready for anything. He could pick up sticks and be gone within minutes. This film is a great cat and mouse chase through banks, city streets, and back roads as the law tries to put a stop to the country's "public enemy number one."
To start with the cast you have to look first at Johnny Depp. I've read that Depp was truly excited about this role, feeling really well connected with the character of John Dillinger. He is cool, collected, and knows exactly what his character is about. First and foremost he plays a gangster. Regardless how you might feel about him, he is a bad guy. He might seem like a Robin Hood of sorts from time to time, but he really is a bad guy with manners.
To be honest I expected a little more from Depp. He doesn't really play up the character too much. Maybe I'm just comparing it to his recent performances as a pirate, demon barber, and chocolate factory owner, all of which are over the top. It's almost like his character from Donnie Brasco. Nothing over the top, but a solid performance. His actions speak louder than his words, and some of his dialogue is pretty amazing.
Moving on to some of the surprises in the cast, I was very impressed with Christian Bale as Agent Melvin Purvis of the FBI. His southern accent and old fashioned approach make him a very unlikable but slightly admirable character, especially with his rifle. Alongside Bale and even more impressive was Billy Crudup as the head of the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover. He looked perfect for the part, his voice was outstanding, and his overall presence on screen was much like that of Hoover; intimidating. He added some much needed support from the cast.
Academy Award Winning actress Marion Cotillard (La vie en rose) gives a fine performance as Depp's love interest Billie. She didn't blow me away like in La vie en rose, but she still did a good job especially with her American accent. She played someone who was part French and there is just a hint of the accent, making her character more believable. Other than that she did just enough.
What Michael Mann film would be complete without a mind boggling shootout? Mann's debacle of Miami Vice left a sour taste in my mouth for several reasons. He has regained my trust here and in large part to his use of weaponry and special effects. The guns are real, the sounds are deafening, and the action is intense. It doesn't meet the standard Mann set with his film Heat, featuring one of the greatest shootout ever filmed, but this has one of his best. There are no wasted bullets here. Each shot is carefully aimed as if they were really trying to do some damage.
Another feature of the Mann experience is the camera work. He always makes on a beautiful looking picture. The camera is a little too jerky for my liking in this movie, but on the whole the shots and angles are perfectly set up, bringing close to the action, forcing us to watch the mayhem and intensity of the scene. It's not just the action that looks incredible. The car scenes, dinners, and all of the in between scenes look stunning as well. It's a testament to the art director as well as the cinematographer.
It's not the best gangster film I've seen, but it's one of the most original films of the genre. There wasn't a whole lot wrong with the film. It has a fantastic cast, great soundtrack, and amazing effects and action sequences. It runs a little too long but nothing too lengthy to handle. It's a must-see for the summer, and keep your eyes peeled for this one around award season.