DILLINGER (1973) is a well mounted though historically flawed film vision of his ADVENTURES in the early 1930's. The charismatic criminal 'Dillinger' (Warren Oates) with his band of merry men steal their way to a lifestyle that the unfortunate honest people of the Great Depression can only see on the Silver Screen. Director John Milius conveys a view that it is better to live a glamorous (if dishonest and violent) short life then to live like a dog in the dirt. "BETTER A DEAD LION THEN A LIVE DONKEY" is the main thrust of this film.
'Dillnger' has two (2) important people in his life. 'Billie' (Michelle Phillips) his main squeeze and 'Purvis' (Ben Johnson) the long arm of the law (F.B.I). There is fine interplay between these characters and both supply our hero with what he needs. Ms. Phillips is effective and particularly attractive. Interesting when she was with the group 'The Mamas and the Papas' we did not think much of her. Must have been those horrible 1960's costumes which passed as fashion at the time. She looks very chic in her 1930's garb. Mr. Johnson though to old for the role performs in his usual professional way and seems to really enjoy his work rubbing out the criminals.
A very competent cast of character actors portray the merry men (and their molls). Future star playing 'Nelson' (Richard Dreyfuss) is of particular interest really getting into the role of that psychotic. In one (1) scene he massacres a row of civilians to get one (1) law officer. At the Little Bohemia shoot out he challenges the F.B.I. with "Eat It G-Man" and a stream of .45 A.C.P. from his Thompson Sub-Machine Gun Model 1921. Certainly different then 'Matt Hooper' or 'Roy Neary'.
Director Milius paid careful attention to period details. Cars, Clothes, Firearms, Music with integrated period photos and clips from old films into montage scenes supported the feeling you were in that era. As for Historical accuracy, it is always best to go to the library or consult The History Station and equivalents.
We saw the film when it first came out and just recently picked up the DVD. It is still very enjoyable if you take it for what it is. Interesting it's predecessor BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967) does not hold up as well and it's historical distortions are more irritating. Character Blanche (Estelle Parsons) needs to stop a bullet early in the film.
'Dillnger' has two (2) important people in his life. 'Billie' (Michelle Phillips) his main squeeze and 'Purvis' (Ben Johnson) the long arm of the law (F.B.I). There is fine interplay between these characters and both supply our hero with what he needs. Ms. Phillips is effective and particularly attractive. Interesting when she was with the group 'The Mamas and the Papas' we did not think much of her. Must have been those horrible 1960's costumes which passed as fashion at the time. She looks very chic in her 1930's garb. Mr. Johnson though to old for the role performs in his usual professional way and seems to really enjoy his work rubbing out the criminals.
A very competent cast of character actors portray the merry men (and their molls). Future star playing 'Nelson' (Richard Dreyfuss) is of particular interest really getting into the role of that psychotic. In one (1) scene he massacres a row of civilians to get one (1) law officer. At the Little Bohemia shoot out he challenges the F.B.I. with "Eat It G-Man" and a stream of .45 A.C.P. from his Thompson Sub-Machine Gun Model 1921. Certainly different then 'Matt Hooper' or 'Roy Neary'.
Director Milius paid careful attention to period details. Cars, Clothes, Firearms, Music with integrated period photos and clips from old films into montage scenes supported the feeling you were in that era. As for Historical accuracy, it is always best to go to the library or consult The History Station and equivalents.
We saw the film when it first came out and just recently picked up the DVD. It is still very enjoyable if you take it for what it is. Interesting it's predecessor BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967) does not hold up as well and it's historical distortions are more irritating. Character Blanche (Estelle Parsons) needs to stop a bullet early in the film.