Blu-ray Review: Public Enemies (2009)

Public Enemies is the story of notorious bank robber John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) and his rise and then ultimate fall at the hands of federal investigator Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale). As Dillinger's infamous heists empty out Depression-era banks, Purvis is recruited into J. Edgar Hoover's new Bureau of Investigation, with the sole purpose of bringing down Dillinger, as an example of how effective a tool a federal investigative branch can be.

The Movie

Michael Mann has a thematic continuity running through many of his films. He seems obsessed with divergent characters, usually who find themselves on opposite sides of the law. These characters may have similar (Heat) or distant (Collateral) personalities, but somehow find themselves entangled with their counterparts by both personal and professional proximity. And although they feature prominent gun play, most are in-depth character dramas cleverly disguised as action movies.

With Public Enemies the characters are the notorious bank robber John Dillinger and his pursuer, the prototype FBI investigator Melvin Purvis. Dillinger is less a monster, and more someone who is just really good at what he does: robbing banks. While Purvis is trying to bring new techniques - as well as some old-fashioned honor - to the nation's first federal police force. The timing of Dillinger's bank raids during the Great Depression make him an odd mixture of folk legend-cum-Robin Hood, mixed with the seriousness of his crimes during a period when many are experiencing financial ruin. J. Edgar Hoover's bid to create a federal law enforcement agency that can reach beyond the local jurisdiction of police forces necessary to catch these inter-state thieves singles Dillinger out as its first target: "Public Enemy Nr. 1."

Purvis has a southern decency about him that is often at odds with Hoover's singular, almost maniacal, purpose. But the innovative techniques and calm approach he uses to track and capture Dillinger offer a strong contrast to the outlaw's gang. While their group is dying from lack of innovation, this fledgling FBI group is growing.

With Public Enemies we have a very blunt look at cops and robbers. Some of the background of history - both for the time period and for the characters themselves - is left out, and instead we zoom in on this concentrated stretch of time and on these divergent characters. Dillinger's rock-star persona and sincere love for his girlfriend are played pitch-perfect by Depp. Bale's honorable lawman is forceful in his Stoicism, exuding subtle resolve more than outward emotion. And both men are making opportunities for themselves during a time when there are few to be had.

Video/Audio

The film receives an easy transition over to Blu-Ray, as it was shot in high definition video. The resulting picture is appropriately sharp and edgy. As Mann comments in the bonus materials on the disc, after doing test shots with both traditional film and then hi-def video, he settled on hi-def for its stark realism. You were meant to feel as if you're living these events, and not remembering fondly back to a gauzy image of the '30s. In practice, this may be a more divisive preference, but the video is nonetheless highly detailed and offers excellent clarity and depth. It helps that the settings for the film are rich with color and exquisitely shot.

Article Author: David R Perry

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