The Public Enemy
Directed by William A. Wellman
This is full of small moments that I could obsess over: the grapefruit in the face, the gay tailor, the baby carriage full of booze, the guy who makes a crazy popping noise with his mouth after delivering a newspaper…
The performances are full of these flamboyant flourishes. Obviously there’s James Cagney, but I can’t get over Robert Emmett O’Connor. There’s this scene that takes place right when Prohibition starts. He’s telling the boys about his plans and the whole time he’s just shoving potato chips in his mouth. The crumbs are flying everywhere. It’s insane.
I feel like I’m tapping into some mystical well where all crime films fetch their water. Incredible picture.