Movie Schizo

Public Enemies

Public Enemies drew a fair amount of my attention, so I decided to go watch it. I guess the fact that it is based on a true story made it more attractive. And let me say right away that it wasn’t a superb movie. But I didn’t think it would be. Nevertheless it was interesting. The characters were slightly flat, so I didn’t find myself rooting strongly for anyone. I just watched the movie with interest in the story that took place in 1933. When I get a few minutes, I plan to read up on the actual John Dillinger, just to see how far from the true story the movie deviates.

During the movie I found myself looking for a formula in the plot. Apart from the obvious I also found another kind of formula. Here is a summary of events; see if you can spot the forumla. N.B. There’s a twist at the end! (Warning: mild spoilers ahead)

1. John Dillinger: “I rob banks!”
2. Melvin Purvis: “I will catch John Dillinger!”
3. Dillinger robs a bank.
4. 16 shots are fired. Dillinger escapes.
5. John Dillinger “I rob more banks!”
6. Melvin Purvis: “Dillinger is public enemy number 1! I will catch him.”
7. Dillinger robs a bank.
8. 256 shots are fired. Dillinger escapes.
9. John Dillinger: “I can rob any bank I want to!”
10. Melvin Purvis: “Dillinger will be caught, dead or alive!”
11. Dillinger is found in the middle of the woods.
12. 65536 shots are fired. Dillinger escapes.
13. John Dillinger: “I will go watch a movie at the cinema.”
14. Melvin Purvis: “We will wait for him outside.”
15. Dillinger exits.
16. Less than 4 shots are fired. Dillinger does not escape.

If you’re interested in movies that are based on true stories, go watch this one. An interesting performance by Johnny Depp, but not his best. Lots of southern accents.

Technorati Tags: Christian Bale, Crime, Johnny Depp, Michael Mann, Public Enemies