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This movie covers both sides of the governments fledgling attempts at controlling criminal masterminds that were controlling the minds of the depression era famished citizens. It showed some tolerance given to Dillinger, a "Robin Hood" type character (Depp), and the task for the bigger tha life lawman (Bale) that pursued him. Depp carefully crafts a human quality and face to the dark evil facet, countered by Bale's portrayal of good and crystalizes his resolve and dedication above and beyond to take down this heroic foe. What I feel the movie lacked in, was showing the true widespread plight of the times and the desperation of the common person. The control placed on them by thugs and criminals that took advantage of their plight and ruled their fears. Bale was the true hero in many minds of the time by my parents, not Depp. However, if the spin was that criminals take advantage of the poor and beaten down for their own personal gain, then that wouldn't fill theatre seats, would it!!!
What's great about it: Depp and Bale's true mastery of their craft.
What's not so great: Misguided consensus of the mindset of america.