Just saw Public Enemy in the theater and I have to say, it was generally awful. Johny Depp is a great actor but it doesn't show throughout most of the movie. In fact, you can say say the same thing about most actors in this bore-fest. They tend to go through the movie without really showing any emotion or revealing themselves too much to the viewers. What do we know about Johnny's character? Nothing. Why should we care then? Everyone comes off very blank and unfinished. When they all die, I find myself not caring much. Depp's only redeeming scene comes when he visits the police station, he plays that just perfect, but it comes way too late. Even his impromptu interview in the cop room feels forced and unnatural. I find myself curious what it takes to make an actor like Depp appear unnatural on film.
The set pieces are gorgeous in this movie; the cars, radios and night clubs are authentic looking. Some of the cinematography shots are likewise beautiful. The camera work, however, is not. A lot of times the camera work is sloppy and shakes. This is acceptable in action sequences, but it was occurring in a courthouse scene; what point is that? Additionally, the director must really like close up shots; cause we got to see every damn pore in Depp's and Bale's characters. Most of the time they do a Bale close-up, he comes off as vaguely constipated and strained. Don't shoot so damn close! This is true for a lot of other shots; I know they're trying to focus on the personal effect crime has on people, but a lot of the close shots are just bad.
About the only thing that made this movie bearable is Cotillard's smile. She lights up the screen whenever she smiles; alas that only happens in the first half of the movie.
Overall, I think this is a throw-away movie. With some better editing and a different script it might have been something special. Its always a shame when the movie comes out this way especially when they've got so much talent on screen. Depp is mostly wasted on this movie.
