Public Enemy (1931)
Director
William Wellman
Theme
Corruption of the American Dream
Public Enemy deserves its’ reputation as a classic and a landmark film. The year of its’ release saw the world in the deep midst of the Depression and it still resonates with audiences today, even if it was a product of its’ time.
The film focused almost entirely of the making of a gangster. It brought audience sympathy and a along with it a moral question by depicting Tom and Matt’s growth into enemies of society as one that was not only economic but social in nature.
Prompt
In a two page paper discuss why this film fits into the gangster genre and give at least three examples. Then examine if the film’s depiction of the protagonist, Tom Powers, creates sympathy for him. Describe an instance from the film that reinforces your point.