Dillinger (1973)

From the writer of Apocalypse Now comes an electrifying crime saga about one of the most notorious gangsters of the 1930s. Starring Warren Oates, Ben Johnson, Cloris Leachman and Richard Dreyfuss, Dillinger sets the screen ablaze with explosive shootouts, daring escapes and magnificent performances. Bank robber John Dillinger (Oates) has become a folk hero to the people ofDepression-era America, capturing their imaginations with the exploits of his outlaw "super-gang." But time may be running out for Dillinger's violent band of fugitives; the FBI's finest agent (Johnson) is on the case, and his pursuit won't end until every member of the gang is behind bars...or dead! Charged with heartstopping action and riveting drama, Dillinger is an unforgettable experience hailed as nothing less than "brilliant" (San Francisco Chronicle)!

Warren Oates as Dillinger!

I thought this was a very entertaining movie. It wasn't quite up to Bonnie and Clyde but it was close. It also wasn't historically accurate in all occassions but it was still a good movie. The acting was aslo very good. Warren Oates shines as Dillinger and there are many familiar faces like Harry Dean Stanton and others that fill out the cast nicely. This movie is very violent but so is the subject matter so it might not be for everybody but I recommend it. September 16, 2007

A VIOLENT RETRO-BULLETFEST!!!!!! COOOOL!!!!

MAN! This movie is COOL and ACTION-PACKED!

Like I said, the movie IS violent: There are many bloody scenes, innocent killings and LOTS OF SHOOTING!!! (like a war)
The acting was also very good and so the dialoge, The 1930's setting was VERY well made, there are some good dramatic scenes and a VERY GOOD 30's soundtrack.

What I didn't like was that the picture quality wasn't THAT good, but the movie is low budget and besides the picture looks clear enough, really! AND what really bugs me is that there are VERY FEW CAR CHASES! (only one actually, and it wasn't that good)!!

P.S: If you are looking for bulletfest movies then buy this one, BUT if you are looking for "retro car chases" then this one is not for you.

Adios. April 27, 2007

Filmed entirely in Oklahoma

Nice old movie but the highlight for me is that it was filmed in Oklahoma. Scenes from Enid, Oklahoma City, Skirvin Hotel, etc. Movie is decent with some big stars. March 20, 2007

If time's one thing you've got plenty of...

A classic "cult classic" if there ever was one. This will probably never show up on a critic's best list, but if you are interested in a minor 70's post "Bonnie and Clyde" take on the Dillinger story, and especially if you are a Warren Oates fan, check this film out.

This, along with "Deliverance", is probably the film most meant for Peckinpah that he never directed. (See my review for "Deliverance") Just looking at the cast list (Warren Oates, Ben Johnson, Harry Dean Stanton) reminds me of the beginnings of the Peckinpah stock company. I have no evidence that Sam was ever intended for or was interested in this property, but the possibilities do boggle the mind.

Those looking for historical accuracy should look elsewhere. However, if this piques your interest in Dillinger, I highly recommend the book "Dillinger Days" by John Toland. Amazing, if you think about it, that there were so many gangs criss-crossing the midwest during the late 20's-early 30's. Bonnie and Clyde, Ma Barker, Dutch Schultz, Pretty Boy Floyd, Creepy Carpis, Machine Gun Kelly, Dillinger and more. Often they were looked upon as Robin Hood type characters by the general public; that is, until the shoot out at Kansas City's Union Station where a couple of FBI agents were gunned down (ironically along with the criminal that the gunmen intended to spring loose). A very bloody time in our nation's history. Like the sheriff said in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", "you're nothing but two bit outlaws and you're going to die bloody". Many of them did.

Best lines in the movie? There are many, but my favorite: "Son, do you need a Bible?" "I have sinned, but I enjoyed it. And I have killed men, but the sons of bitches deserved it. Any way you figure it, it's too late for no Bible." March 16, 2007

Dillinger - The Ultimate Anti-hero

First and foremost I will get my complaints out of the way, as they are only small and petty. For the most part I can forgive the historical inaccuracies, but a few things need be mentioned.

Firstly, the portrayal of Baby Face Nelson is both good and atrocious. Nelson was his own man and didn't take crap from anybody. The scene where he first meets Dillinger is both wrong, and portrays Nelson as somewhat of a pussy. This was certainly not the case. Lester Gillis still holds the distinction of killing the most federal agents in history, along with the top ranked agent killed on duty (Samuel Cowley). Whining aside though, his death scene is reasonably accurate apart from the ommitance of John Paul Chase and the fact that it took him hours to slowly die.

Secondly, the gunning down of "Pretty Boy" Floyd is accurate right up until the point where he utters his last words. A man like Floyd would never utter the words "I'm glad it was you," (to Melvin Purvis). In fact, Floyd's dying words, upon being asked about the Kansas City Massacre were "Tell you nothing..."

Finally, Melvin Purvis was pretty much totally inept at his job. His propensity to screw up simple things continued to land him in hot water with Hoover. The portrayal of his character in this film is unfortunately very far from the truth. This is not to take away from the performance by Ben Johnson, which I must say is top notch.

Now. Warren Oates. Looks like Dillinger. Plays the egotistical, charasmatic gangster that Dillinger was to a T. Gotta love it and makes you wonder what happened to him after this role.

The shoot-outs are loud, violent, and pretty authentic, especially the one at Little Bohemia. I believe that the total ineptness that the FBI displayed in this battle has been well portrayed in the film.

The doggedness and persistence of the FBI is also well portrayed, let's not forget, that for the most part, these guys were called upon to take on the worst of the public enemies. Usually in prolonged gunfight. Lots of people may discount the FBI use of firepower as over the top, but I believe it to be wholly accurate. All you need to do is read any of the books concerning this part of history and you will understand what I'm talking about.

Lastly, mention must be made of the great lengths gone to to display the depression era as it was. The dusty mid-west, from small quaint towns to sand blown ranges and the authentic cars lend themselves very well to enhancing the effect. Couple this with some Tommy-guns and you have a winner.

By all means, If you like gangster movies, you can't go past this one. Never mind the historical inaccuracies and ommisions, this is a top notch. Hollywood before it went downhill!

Anyone interested in the real story of Dillinger, Nelson etc. should check out the various books available. I heartily recommend PUBLIC ENEMIES: AMERICA'S GREATEST CRIME WAVE AND THE BIRTH OF THE FBI 1933-1934 (BRYAN BURROUGH) and THE DILLINGER DAYS (JOHN TOLAND). March 14, 2007

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