Michael Mann has been one of the few directing voices coming from Hollywood in recent years. His immutable, high-octane style, invariably genre films have earnt him a reputation as a stalwart of action films internationally. It was with enthusiasm that I went for a late night viewing of Public Enemies, starring Johnny Depp. And with a measure equal to my expectation was I let down by the subsequent two and a half hours of celluloid that ran through the projector.
Though perhaps film is a flawed description, since most of the film was in effect shot digitally on the F23 camera, much to its detriment. The lush design, costumes and locations were severely let down by the poor camera quality and jerky camera operating. This is not to question the use of handheld films per se, but only when story requires it. Thus during the opening sequence this is completely excusable, but not during subtle romantic sequences such as the date between Depp and Cotillard early on in the film. Most objectionable, however, in regards to the camera work, is its function to distract the audience from the story and characters, rather than augment. This left me constantly wondering whether this movie was shot on a miniDV camera rather than supposedly state of the art digital cameras.
In regards to the screenplay, while the lack of exposition serves the mood and setting well, there is little character movement, and the Dillinger character is written with little of the forgiving Robin Hood personality of his legend. Coupled with a thin romance with a character who feels more like a plot device than a human being, and we have little scope for character empathy.
This is not to say that the acting is at all bad. The performances are well above par, with a notable comment for Stephen Graham (of This is England fame) as the psychotic Baby Face Nelson. Christian Bale is usually dry, but he never has been much of an actor anyway, and Depp naturally provides screen presence and charm.
Unfortunately by the time you are aware of the acting its too late. A sad disappointment from an usually able crafts-mann (pun intended).
