It was quite a scene outside the AMC River East Theater last Thursday for the premiere of "Public Enemies". Hundreds of fans stood by to await the arrival of Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. Johnny commented earlier in the year that he loves Chicago and its' people. Therefore he wouldn't attend a premiere for the movie, unless the first one was in Chicago. I've had the opportunity to have a couple of conversations with Johnny. The first one was six years ago at the Cannes Film Festival at the Hotel Du Cap in the south of France. 2003 Cannes Film Festival

He was sitting by himself, and I wondered, "Do I dare walk over to him and strike up a conversation?" Well, I did and we started to talk. What impressed me the most was how normal, sweet and very generous he is with his time for fans. He personally reminds me of the James Dean type, which happens to be my personal favorite. As we talked he was poking jokes about all the people mingling in the lobby of the hotel. I told him I was from Chicago and his comment was "One day I will be shooting in Chicago, I love that city" and low and behold six years later. PUBLIC ENEMIES. Michael Mann with Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard and Johnny Depp

The 46-year-old Depp has accomplished much in his life, coming from a small town in Indiana to now owning his own Island, which he calls "Little Hall's Pond Cay".

The second chance I had to talk with Depp was at the River East Art Center that evening. He came down the stairs with some of the cast of the movie, and instead of staying with them, he was table hopping with all the local folk. Christian Bale congradulating Johnny Depp

Talking and joking with the fans and taking pictures with friends. As I was standing talking to a friend of mine, who is confined to a wheel chair, Johnny came over and introduced himself to him. He expressed how happy he was to meet him and hoped he enjoyed the movie. He stayed and talked to him for 5 minutes. Despite security trying to pull him away, he wouldn't budge and continued talking to him. I thanked him for being so caring. He smiled, gave me a hug, said good-by to everyone and walked away. That was so kind of him; but as his friends have said many times he is one of the most loyal and compassionate actors in the industry. I walked away feeling very good that night.

"Thank you Johnny"

Enjoy the other photos from that exciting night. Irene Michaels on the red carpet William Peterson and his wife Gina Michael Foster and Marion Cotillard Irena Kaiser Michael Kutza and Judy Neidermeier Brenda Sexton and Ken Cook Billy Dec Pete Pantaleo and Kathy Gambino Jim Liataud with Friends and Family Irene Michaels and Dennis Farina at the after party Producer Val Gobos and Chicago actor Ron Dean