Now Playing: “Public Enemies”

Public Enemies was released in theaters today and I think it looks like an incredibly intriguing and interesting film.  Based on the non-fiction book Public Enemies: America’s Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933–34 by Bryan Burroughs, it tell the story of FBI agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale) who “set his sights on American gangsters John Dillinger (Johnny Depp) and Pretty Boy Floyd (Channing Tatum) in an attempt to curb a rampant Midwest crime spree during the 1930s.”  The film was directed by Michael Mann and was filmed mostly in Wisconsin.

image: Universal Pictures

I think that casting for this movie is great.  Johnny Depp could definitely look like he comes from that time period and I am interested to see how he pairs with Christian Bale on-screen.  I’m also happy to see Channing Tatum being given a chance at a meatier role.  I think that he’s really been type-cast as a “pretty face” rather than a talented actor although I think his turn in Fighting could change that perception.  The strong cast is rounded out by French actress, Marion Cotillard, who won an Oscar for her performance in La Vie en Rose.