Surprisingly engaging, stylish and well cast

Rating: 9/10 (26 November 2012)

I entered the watching of this film with scepticism. I wouldn't say that American gangster films would be my genre of choice. I certainly didn't expect the film to make much of an impression on me.
I didn't know much about the background of John Dillinger, but straight away I wanted to know more and was reading up on the background.
I was beginning to think that Johnny Depp had pigeon-holed himself with the slightly tedious performances in Tim Burton films of late which fit an increasingly samey formula. It was refreshing to see him play a part that broke away from the norm and seemed more of a challenge. He was convincing and witty as this smooth, intelligent and charismatic character.
This film is well paced and beautifully shot. The characters were well developed throughout. Although Depp's character was the main focus, the emphasis on his loyalty and care for the other members of the gang transcended through and made me care about each of them. Focus shifts to other individuals at crucial points and there are strong performances from Stephen Graham and Giovanni Ribisi.
Christian Bale is well cast as the moralistic and idealistically hopeful cop. You sympathise with the difficult decisions that he is forced to make and sigh with relief when he steps in to put a halt to the mistreatment of Billie (played by Marion Cotillard).
The build-up of tension increases as you watch the situation unravel for Dillinger and his gang. I couldn't tear myself away for the final third of the film. Despite the fact that I knew what the conclusion would be (having been reading the timeline on the johndillinger.com website) there was no way I could not see this film through to the end.
Possibly a slightly romantic view of gangland criminals of the 30's, I don't know enough to make this judgement- but it doesn't matter as this film feels original and is a pleasure to watch. To sum up, this film was surprisingly engaging and the kind of film I wanted to discuss after I'd seen it- now I just need to make my friends watch it too!