Christian Bale’s $214M True-Crime Epic Officially Lands on Netflix
*Public Enemies*, a crime drama directed by Michael Mann and starring Christian Bale, is now streaming on Netflix. Set during the Great Depression, it follows notorious bank robber John Dillinger and the federal pursuit that helped shape the Bureau of Investigation into the FBI.
Dillinger’s robberies, escapes and public appeal made him a folk hero to many struggling through the Depression, while FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover sought to use his capture to raise the bureau’s profile. Bale plays agent Melvin Purvis, who was sent to catch Dillinger; the story also features Dillinger’s girlfriend, Billie Frechette.
In short
- *Public Enemies* is now streaming on Netflix.
- Christian Bale plays FBI agent Melvin Purvis.
- The film follows the hunt for John Dillinger.
Explained simply
The Great Depression was a period of severe economic hardship in the United States during the 1930s. Bank robber John Dillinger became widely known for a series of robberies and escapes, and some people admired him as a rebel against banks and authority.
The federal Bureau of Investigation, led by J. Edgar Hoover, pursued Dillinger as it sought greater public recognition and influence. Agent Melvin Purvis was assigned to the case, while Billie Frechette, Dillinger’s girlfriend, was also part of his story.