Film Review: Public Enemies (Week1)

http://http://movieoverdose.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/public-enemies-poster.jpg

I went and saw Public Enemies on its Australian release date yesterday, Thursday the 30th of July. It evoked so many feeling that I felt I just had to write my first ever film review about it. I think that this can be a very difficult thing to do, especially for a novice like myself!!
For those who have no clue about what I am talking about or have not yet seen Public Enemies I will do my best to inform you. It is based on a true story (as many Hollywood dramas are) revolved around the 1930’s real life gangster John Dillinger, played by Johnny Depp and produced by Michael Mann. Dillinger is a notorious and ever so popular bank robber living in Chicago. The film mainly portrays Dillinger’s frequent run-ins with the police, spear headed by FBI agent Melvin Purvis (played by Christian Bale), and Dillinger’s relationship with the love of his life Billie Frenchette (played by academy award winner Marion Cotillard).
Initially I was overly eager with anticipation and excitement to finally see the talented Depp in a role that had the potential to land him a well overdue academy award, however the film ended up being a two and a half hour anti-climax. Unfortunately most of the time I found myself watching and waiting for something more to happen and by the end of it I was left majorly under whelmed and dissatisfied.

I really hate to say that I was let down because I am a huge fan of both Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. Johnny Depp did a pretty good job as Dillinger but it was far from Oscar worthy. Unfortunately, as far as Billie Frenchette and Christian Bale are concerned it was like watching two robots on the screen, quite frankly their performances were less than par.
The producer of this film, Michael Mann did not do such a bad job I thought, although the final product was far from desirable compared to some of his usual high standard classics like Heat, The Insider and Ali. I am not sure if it was the type of camera used or the quality of the camera lens although something made it seem cheaply made. It is a difficult thing to try and explain although the people who have already seen it will surely understand what I mean.
I really think Public Enemies and the the story of John Dillinger could have been turned into an instant classic, instead I walked out of the cinema feeling like I had just watched a B grade film where there was far too much under acting and directing happening to handle at once. I think maybe my expectations were too high to begin with because even before seeing it I was already comparing it to some of the great gangster films of all time like the first 2 Godfathers with Brando, Pacino, De Niro and Caan, and The Untouchables with Costner, Connery and Garcia. How could you not make initial comparisons though? I mean Public Enemies included two of the greatest actors of their generation in both Johnny Depp and Christian Bale, respectfully. However, this was not the case and sadly it was far from a classic.
On a positive note though I thought that the main soundtrack composed by Otis Thorpe, entitled 'Ten million slaves' was an absolute masterpiece and would not be too surprised if it won some kind of award.
I am sure that many people will disagree that it was not nearly as bad as I have portrayed it to be, although I believe that one should go in with lower expectations than I had so as to be pleasantly surprised, instead of majorly let down. It is certainly worth seeing once (maybe on DVD) but definitely not twice.
Overall I would give it 6.5/10


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhiO8rT_LnA

(All websites viewed on 31st of July 2009)

The beginning of Change (Week 1)

I began studying Bachelor of Exercise Science here at Griffith University although I have recently changed programs to Bachelor of Arts where I have aspirations to major in film and screen. It was a shock decision to many of my friends and family although it was something I had been contemplating doing for quite some time. Do not get me wrong it was not that I thought poorly of the exercise science degree by any means, I just felt that a change was needed.
You see growing up with a father who was a professional bodybuilder in his prime gave me knowledge about training and nutrition that today I consider priceless, even if I did not realise it back then.
Persuing a job in the field of health however is no longer my main goal as it once was. I consider health of the upmost of importance, although I feel that doing something more expressive and creative will bring about a balance in my life that I have been striving for for far too long. Passion in life is important so I believe that no matter what your interest, you should go about your persuit with no regrets and what if's because ultimately the only person who can realistically bring about balance in your life is yourself.

P.S This is my old man, Kjell Nilsson aka The Lord Humungus



http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TL4XZdyo3g

(All websites viewed on July 29th 2009)