Johnny Depp is "fascinated" by gangsters. The Hollywood hunk, who plays notorious bank robber John Dillinger in his new movie "Public Enemies," was drawn to the role because of his interest in the charismatic 1930s American thief.

Speaking at the U.K. premiere of "Public Enemies" in London's Leicester Square Monday night, Johnny said: "I had a sort of fascination, not so much that he was a criminal, that this guy took up arms against the establishment and he did it with a smile. There was a sort of twinkle in his eye which I find interesting. And the hat he wears, I did it for the hat."

"I enjoyed firing machine guns too."

Johnny went on to praise his stunning co-star, Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard, who plays Dillinger's lover Billie Frechette in the movie.

The 46-year-old actor, who was wearing a dark pinstriped suit and tinted glasses, said: "Marion is wonderful. She is a great actress and lots of fun.

It was so easy to work with her. We were very lucky, it was such an exciting cast."

Marion, who looked stunning in a red Vivienne Westwood dress and towering black high heels, was equally as gushing about Johnny.

The 33-year-old French-born beauty said: "I was so lucky to work with him on the movie. It was set in such a beautiful and glamorous - but very tough - time in American history. I hope people will love the movie - it has action, romance and an amazing character, Dillinger."

Share on Facebook
RELATED PHOTOS AND ARTICLES
Johnny Depp - Johnny Depp Wax Figure of Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's ChestJohnny Depp - Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End - Movie Premiere - ArrivalsJohnny Depp - Johnny Depp - 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival - Marion Cotillard - 80th Annual Academy Awards - Press RoomJohnny Depp - Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End - Movie Premiere - Arrivals
WHAT DO YOU THINK?