The Drama

In the 1930s, while others were making their way in life in a respectable manner, crime was considered something of a glorified career in society. One of these criminals was John Dillinger, whose story has made its way onto the big screen in the film "Public Enemies". Portrayed by Johnny Depp, Dillinger is depicted as a bank robber who robs banks, but not its customers. A charismatic ladies man who uses his being hunted by the authorities as one of his many romanticizing traits, Dillinger does everything with an air of confidence. Christian Bale characterizes agent Melvin Purvis, the classic representation of a "good cop" assigned to the capture of Dillinger. Utilizing techniques new to the time, Purvis never loses sight of his goal of capturing Dillinger, no matter how many times the criminal eludes authorities. Clocking in just shy of two and a half hours, the story maintains enough action throughout to keep the viewer engrossed, while not becoming a stereotypical mobster movie. "Enemies" depicts multiple other household names among the old time crime circuit, such as Baby Face Nelson, but the focus remains on the cat-and-mouse routine of Dillinger and Purvis constantly at odds with each other. A particularly poignant scene shows Dillinger captured and behind bars, and Purvis comes to speak with him. The two never lose their cool with the other; Dillinger talking about how soon he'll be out, while Purvis assures him the only way he'll be leaving is via a transfer to another facility. Dillinger's career in crime was one of the key cases in the eventual creation of the FBI before his defeat in Chicago in 1934. "Enemies" never loses sight of this and shows him in his heyday. "Public Enemies" is an entertaining ride through Depression-era America, not delving too heavily into either drama or action, but glamorizes a lifestyle that was eventually phased out, just like others who came before them.