About Public Enemies

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• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Public Enemies is an action film set in the 1930s, directed by Michael Mann. Released in 2009, the movie is based on the book "Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI" by Bryan Burrough. The film follows the real-life events of the notorious American gangster John Dillinger and the pursuit of him by Melvin Purvis, the FBI agent leading the investigation.

The plot revolves around the cat-and-mouse chase between Dillinger, played by Johnny Depp, and Purvis, portrayed by Christian Bale. As Dillinger becomes a folk hero during the Great Depression, he pulls off a series of daring bank robberies while staying one step ahead of the law. However, Purvis is determined to capture Dillinger and bring him to justice, leading to a thrilling and intense battle between the two men.

Making / Production

Public Enemies was meticulously crafted by director Michael Mann, known for his meticulous attention to detail. Mann wanted to bring an authentic depiction of the 1930s to the screen, so he extensively researched the era and its notable personalities. He also aimed to capture the reality of the time period by shooting on location in various cities, including Chicago and Wisconsin.

The production team recreated numerous historical settings, such as the Biograph Theater where Dillinger was killed. Careful attention was paid to the costumes and props to accurately reflect the fashion and style of the 1930s. The film was shot using both digital and traditional film cameras to achieve a unique visual aesthetic.

Actors

• Johnny Depp as John Dillinger - Depp brings a charismatic and complex performance as the notorious bank robber, capturing the charm and danger of the character.
• Christian Bale as Melvin Purvis - Bale portrays the determined FBI agent with intensity and conviction, showcasing the relentless pursuit of Dillinger.
• Marion Cotillard as Billie Frechette - Cotillard takes on the role of Dillinger's love interest, bringing depth and vulnerability to her character.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The real-life story of John Dillinger has been a subject of fascination in popular culture, and Public Enemies offers a fresh perspective on his life and crimes.
• Many of the shootouts and action sequences in the film were meticulously choreographed to be historically accurate.
• The film includes several notable historical figures, including Baby Face Nelson, portrayed by Stephen Graham.

Awards

Public Enemies was nominated for several awards but did not win any major accolades. However, the film received praise for its performances, cinematography, and attention to historical detail.

Quotes

• "I like baseball, movies, good clothes, fast cars... and you. What else you need to know?" - John Dillinger
• "I like being able to walk into a bank with a common pin and walk out with everything they have in their drawers." - John Dillinger
• "We're having too good a time today. We ain't thinking about tomorrow." - John Dillinger

Music

The film's score was composed by Elliot Goldenthal, who delivered a blend of orchestral and jazz music to capture the atmosphere of the 1930s. The music enhances the tension and excitement of the action sequences and adds emotional depth to key moments in the film.

Soundtrack

• "Ten Million Slaves" by Otis Taylor
• "Bye Bye Blackbird" by Diana Krall
• "Love Me or Leave Me" by Billie Holiday