Public Enemies portrayed the final 13 months of John Dillinger’s life eluding the police and robbing banks. After spending ten years in jail for stealing $50, Dillinger realizes he can no longer live life on the safe side. Although being a career criminal and the FBI’s most wanted fugitive shortened his life, he was in control of his destiny and that was enough for him. In the beginning of the movie he meets Billie Frechette and instantly falls in love. Their story is not the stereotypically romance in fact they are mostly separated throughout the movie. The director Michael Mann did not give any background information regarding the public’s fascination with Dillinger but he does offer great fighting scenes. I particularly loved the scene where Dillinger and his comrades are surrounding in the house and rapid gunfire ensues with the police. Mann creates an atmosphere of confusion with contrasting lights and fiery, loud gunfire. The contrast between Melvin Purvis and John Dillinger throughout the movie was also very interesting. Particularly in the final scene where Purvis just walks away and does not seem satisfied of his accomplishment.
Public Enemies-Beverly N.
Advertisement
