The Public Enemy

The Public Enemy is a 1931 gangster film widely recognized as one of the most influential entries in the genre. Directed by William A. Wellman and produced by Warner Bros., the film is renown for James Cagney's iconic portrayal of Tommy Gordon, a petty criminal rising through the ranks of Chicago's underworld during the Prohibition era. The movie is complete with a stellar supporting cast, including Jean Harlow and Edward Woods, who bring life to the rich tapestry of characters in this stark narrative of American organized crime.

Set against the backdrop of 1920s Chicago, The Public Enemy introduces us to a young Tommy and his lifelong friend, Matt Doyle, played by Edward Woods. From their enthusiastic involvement in minor theft to their rapid rise in the mob world, the movie offers a raw portrayal of their life trajectory. James Cagney's performance as the rebellious and unapologetic Tommy Gordon bristles with energy and anticipation that captivates viewers from start to finish.

The film's narrative neatly coincides with the period of Prohibition, providing a Bonn report of how Tommy and Matt, disillusioned by poverty and social neglect, emerge from childhood mischief to become full-fledged players in the teeming world of bootlegging and organized crime. It captures the dichotomy of the American urban landscape - the grim, shadowy back-alleys where Tommy and Matt thrive, are starkly contrasted with the glittering banquet halls and nightclubs where they revel in their ill-gotten fortune.

The Public Enemy presents an unflinching look at the complexities and contradictions within these characters. Tommy, though a ruthless, cold-blooded criminal, harbors a transgressive tenderness for his family, especially his strait-laced brother, Mike (played by Donald Cook) a war veteran and hard-working character symbolizing the law-abiding society. This tension in Tommy's character paints a compelling, human portrait of the man behind the moniker of "public enemy."

Edward Woods gives an equally brilliant performance as Matt Doyle, Tommy's best friend and partner-in-crime. His portrayal of Matt's loyalty to Tommy and his own personal descent into the brutal world of mafia, offsets Tommy's insatiable ambition and adds balance to the narrative. Jean Harlow, on the other hand, delivers a compelling performance as Gwen Allen, Tommy's glamorous love interest, adding a layer of charm and flamboyance to the gritty atmosphere of the story.

Commended for its authentic depiction of the era, the film features excellent cinematography that captures the raw and vibrant streets of the city, the hidden dens of the mobsters, and the flashy and exotic world of the roaring twenties. Moreover, its cutting-edge sound design, which was a pioneering feat during this early talkie era, effectively brings to life the atmosphere of the era, from the bustling city streets to the violent gangster shoot-outs.

The Public Enemy is also known for its iconic, symbolic use of objects throughout the movie - with one particularly infamous scene involving a grapefruit instantly recognizable to film enthusiasts. These instances not only make The Public Enemy a highly notable cinematic outing but also a significant cultural artifact.

The film's stark exploration of the gangster lifestyle is complemented by its critique of American society's willingness to create and perpetuate conditions for such lawlessness to flourish. Through the lens of Tommy's rise and fall, the movie effectively poses challenging questions about socio-economic disparity, corruption, and the American Dream turned sour. It hence establishes The Public Enemy as a statement piece, dissecting the components of organized crime, and the intricate relationships it shares with the larger socio-economic framework.

Coordinates with the film’s title, The Public Enemy posits its audience with the reflection on the paradox between the social glorification of mobsters and the destruction and violence they engender. As a journey through the dark alleyways of American organized crime, it is a trip that delivers thrills, thought-provoking moments, and standout performances that have since become staples of the genre.

The Public Enemy remains a landmark in the pantheon of early sound cinema, not just for its unglamorized depiction of gangster life, but also for the gripping performances by James Cagney and the rest of the cast. For those interested in classic cinema, historical portrayals of the prohibition era, or the roots of the gangster genre, The Public Enemy is an unmissable piece of film history.