Michael Mann is undoubtedly one of the very great masters of modern gangster cinema. Even though the director who once cemented his reputation with "Heat" has met with little favor with the big screen version of "Miami Vice", he is still the first choice to pay cinematic tribute to one of the greatest gangsters in U.S. history: John Herbert Dillinger.
However, "Public Enemies" is not a film biography in the strictest sense. This is because the film focuses on the rather short period between May 1933, when Dillinger (Johnny Depp) was paroled from prison, to July 22, 1934, where he was shot by the FBI after attending a movie. In that short period of time, Dillinger rose to become something of a folk hero, repeatedly exposing the FBI, which was in the process of being formed, to ridicule. J. Edgar Hoover (Billy Crudup) then declared Dillinger America's first public enemy No. 1, setting off a nationwide manhunt for the bank robber and his gang for the first time in U.S. history. The manhunt was led by Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale), who, after numerous low blows, did manage to tighten the noose around Dillinger. What no one could prevent, however, is that Dillinger became a myth not only during his lifetime, but one that has lost little of its fascination to this day.
Stylistically, "Public Enemies" is a very good film. Mann's much appreciated use of HD cameras gives the action a realistic feel and keeps it from looking like a costume drama. Moreover, the set, which has been meticulously researched down to the smallest detail, and the filming on original locations give the film a high degree of authenticity. And yet, Mann's gangster epic falls noticeably short of its potential in some respects.
For example, for all his attention to detail, Mann focuses too little on making it clear to the viewer why Dillinger had such a strong appeal to the American people. Although a brief introduction at the beginning explains that Dillinger began his raids during the Great Depression of the 1930s, the viewer can only guess why he became such an important symbolic figure for the common people. The fact is that for most Americans, the banks were to blame for the crisis (similarities to the current economic situation are of course pure coincidence!). The fact that one man dared to rob these very banks of their money and not be intimidated by police and government made Dillinger so popular with the masses. He also had a natural charisma that even law enforcement officials couldn't resist. The film only manages to convey all of this to a limited extent, despite its very good lead actor.
Johnny Depp admits to having been fascinated by Dillinger since childhood, which is why this role was a dream come true for him. And you can clearly see it on his face in some scenes. For example, when he sits in a crowded movie theater and his image appears on the screen. The moviegoers are then asked to look left and right, because the evil gangster could be right below them. The coolness with which Depp masters this scene is simply wonderful. And yet, in the end, the feeling remains that the mime, who long ago deserved an Oscar, could have gotten much more out of the role. Nonetheless, Depp's performance is superb and without question the absolute highlight of the film.
Although the trailer suggests "Public Enemies" would be an action-packed gangster film, long dialogue scenes dominate the proceedings. For example, Dillinger's first meeting with his lover Billie Frechette (Marion Cotillard), in which Mann perhaps allows his protagonists a bit too much time to transfer their coherent chemistry to the audience. The film's few action scenes are very well directed, though Mann again drags them out a bit too much. Here he wastes time that he could have otherwise put into deepening the character of John Dillinger.
Admittedly, had the film been directed by someone else, these criticisms would certainly not have been rated quite so harshly. But both Michael Mann and Johnny Depp can deliver more than just very good performances. A brilliant film could have been expected from this team in itself. But to be fair: "Public Enemies" is a great work in many aspects, with a few lengths and hangs, that can definitely be recommended to lovers of more upscale gangster movies.
Original title: Public Enemies
Directed by Michael Mann
Length: approx. 140 min.
FSK: age 12+
Ein Artikel von Frankfurt-Tipp
