Public Enemies is a 2009 biographical crime drama film directed by Michael Mann and starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, and Marion Cotillard. The film is based on the true story of Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger and his run-ins with the law, particularly with FBI agent Melvin Purvis.
The film begins with Dillinger's daring escape from prison with the help of his gang, and his subsequent string of robberies and bank heists across the Midwest. As he becomes more notorious, Hoover designates him as Public Enemy Number One, giving Purvis the task of tracking him down.
As Purvis and his FBI team pursue Dillinger and his gang, they engage in a game of cat-and-mouse across multiple states, with Dillinger using his wit and charm to evade capture while Purvis becomes increasingly obsessed with bringing him to justice.
Along the way, Dillinger begins a romantic relationship with Billie Frechette, a singer and waitress he meets while on the run. As the FBI closes in, Dillinger's fate becomes increasingly uncertain, and he must decide whether to continue his life of crime or try to make a clean break.
The film recreates the gritty atmosphere of the Depression era, with stylized shootouts, car chases, and bank robberies. Depp gives a charismatic performance as the charming but dangerous Dillinger, while Bale brings intensity and determination to the role of Purvis. Cotillard's portrayal of Frechette adds a touch of humanity to the story, and the film overall offers a compelling look at one of America's most infamous bank robbers.