Public Enemies: Now Who's the Bad Guy, Really?

							Public Enemies: Now Who's the Bad Guy, Really?

It was 1933 when J. Edgar Hoover, director of the then-Bureau of Investigation (now just the FBI),
declared America's “first war on crime.” Seventy-six years later, Michael Mann directed a crime flick
revolving around the primary reason why Hoover had made such a declaration: Public Enemy #1,
John Dillinger. It was during the Great Depression era when crime spiked. Most of the criminals were
desperate for money. Others had different motives. Their story, told in modern day format with some of
the top-notch actors in the industry, came out with the action packed crime film Public Enemies in
2009.

“Who gives a damn what the public likes?”

“I do.”

John Dillinger, played by the skillful Johnny Depp in the film, wasn't your average bank robber. He
wasn't in it for the money; he was in it for the thrill and to get back at the banks for ripping off the
people. To illustrate his mindset, during a scene in Public Enemies, Dillinger is robbing a bank with
some of his fellow criminals, Homer Van Meter and Baby Face Nelson. Although this group was
perfectly willing to take thousands from the bank vaults, when Dillinger passes a bank teller with his
hands in the air and ten dollars sitting out, he tells the teller: “You can put it away. Not here for your
money, here for the bank's money.”

It is the story of how Dillinger and his comrades made a disgrace of the Bureau of Investigation
through their numerous escapes from the “top security prisons” in the country and went right back to
robbing banks. There was simply no stopping them, until the Bureau brought Agent Melvin Purvis
aboard. Known for killing the infamous Pretty Boy Floyd, Purvis was given the task of hunting down
Dillinger. Unfortunately, it seemed that Dillinger was always ten steps ahead of the government,
managing to not only rob banks but become romantically involved with Miss Billie Frechette as well.

For a Hollywood action film, it's historically accurate in many aspects: from clothing, nickelodeon films,
music, cars and so on.

Most notably is one of the most exciting scenes of the film (which really did occur in real life): the shoot
out at the Little Bohemia Lodge. Masterfully choreographed with stunning, yet realistic special effects,
this action scene is undoubtedly one of the best gunfire battles in cinematic history.

The constant melody of banjos throughout the film really give it an authentic flavor, making audience
members feel like they are right in the middle of the 1930's.

There becomes a point in the film where audience members wonder what side they're really on.
Obviously John Dillinger is a criminal, but as we slowly watch whatever humanity the Bureau agents
possess dissolve into brutal and sometimes downright torturous tactics, we start to side with the “bad
guys” more and more. For example, refusing to medically attend to a guy who got shot in the back of
the head in order to get Dillinger's whereabouts out of him first is beyond torture.

It is a powerful cinematic masterpiece, with both romance and criminal action abound. It's dangerous
and edgy in some parts, while emotionally jerking and almost frightening in others. For anyone who
enjoys a good action film, Public Enemies is a must see.

For more information or questions regarding buying or selling used action DVDs from Public Enemies
to Spiderman, visit http://www.used-actionmovies.com. If you have any questions, please email us at
customerservice@secondspin.com.
About Brad Parmerter:
Brad Parmerter has almost 20 years experience in the music and entertainment industry as a writer,
programmer, and merchandiser. He has professionally interviewed and photographed such artists as:
Rush, Metallica, Celine Dion, Live, Phil Collins, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Live, Van Halen,
Queensryche, Anna Nalick, Styx, Def Leppard, and many more.

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