Bye, Bye Blackbird

Rating: 7/10 (2 July 2009)

Greetings again from the darkness. Based on Bryan Burrough's book, "Heat" director surprisingly takes a straight-on approach to the story of Public Enemy Number One, John Dillinger. There is none of Mann's usual MTV approach, though some of the texture and look of the film seemed inconsistent and even distracting.
Personally I appreciate the mostly no-frills method here as Johnny Depp brings Dillinger to life as a serious, dangerous man when he's working, and a bit of a charmer when dealing with the press or the ladies. The sets, costumes, accents and cast are all spot on. I especially enjoyed the look and feel of the train station and the Biograph Theatre.
If anything, too many characters are thrown at us, but the cast is so strong, that even that is no real negative. Channing Tatum as Pretty Boy Floyd, Marion Cotillard as Billie Frechette and Stephen Lang as Agent Winsted all add a nice touch. And don't miss Diana Krall (Mrs. Elvis Costello) as a lounge singer. Christian Bale actually plays Melvin Purvis close to the vest and some of the best stuff is thrown down by Billy Crudup in a wonderful spin on the ambitious J Edgar Hoover. He is excellent and creepy.
Depp and Cotillard have some strong scenes together, but I actually thought the gun fights were a bit over done and unrealistic - though efforts were taken to make it seem very real. Just a slight disconnect there for me.
Overall a pretty decent and straightforward bio-pic with minimal Hollywood fluff. Dillinger's story is plenty strong enough without the dramatic license we usually get. Also loved the soundtrack.