"Public Enemies" by Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp is the perfect John Dillinger.
In Public Enemies, Depp gives Dillinger depth. He understands the nuances of one of America’s most famous outlaws, and he doesn’t play him as good or bad. He plays him as real.
Dillinger is a complicated cat. During “The Golden Age of Bank Robbery,” he reigned supreme. He was cool, cold and calculated, and Depp embodies each quality flawlessly on film. Much of the character’s complexity comes from how conscious Dillinger was about his public image. In one scene Depp mentions, “The public don’t like kidnapping.” Bank robbery is fine; just don’t steal anybody. Dillinger wanted to be a celebrity, so it makes sense that one of the biggest celebrities on the planet should play him, but Depp brings this iconic figure to life.
His awareness of Dillinger’s intricacies leads to the creation of an intriguing character that will draw viewers back again and again. Depp shows every side of Dillinger—the suave lover, the ruthless killer, the
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