Both began their careers in the mid-’80s with instant classics (”Empire of the Sun,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street”), matured as actors with critically acclaimed roles in the ’90s (”Ed Wood,” “American Psycho”) and broke through with iconic characters in recent years (the “Pirates” and “Batman” films). Both possess the rare quality of making women want them and men want to be like them — and the even rarer skill of being indie-minded actors who lose no credibility when they delve into blockbuster territory. And on Tuesday evening, the remarkably similar career trajectories of Johnny Depp and Christian Bale converged on a red carpet full of gals, guns and gangsters at the premiere of “Public Enemies.” “We are both fellas, and both dads, and both in the same profession,” Depp, who plays notorious outlaw John Dillinger in the flick, explained of his similarities to Bale. “He’s very good, and tremendously talented.” “He’s a very unique actor,” returned Bale, who spends “Enemies” in hot pursuit of Depp’s Dillinger as FBI agent Melvin Purvis. “And I admire his work.” “Both are so intense and so committed and generous,” marveled Oscar winner Marion Cotillard, who plays Depp’s love interest in the Michael Mann flick. “It’s a really hard question: How do you compare something unique to something unique?” Another unique pop-culture phenomenon is our continuing fascination with the American gangster. Although Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd, Frank Nitti, Baby Face Nelson and other “Enemies” characters saw their real-life glory days some 70 years ago, we’re still enamored with them. So, what is it that makes gangsters so timeless? “Dillinger, you see, he was a bit more of an outlaw,” Depp explained. “The best thing about being an outlaw was the machine gun — and unlimited ammunition.” “The finest cars,” Bale said of the gangster life. “[Their] cars have this artistry, and they have a sense of the character.” “You can make your own rules, and bend the rules,” reasoned Leelee Sobieski, who plays another Dillinger flame in the film. “[When you're a gangster], crazy things will happen.” “Just saying the name ‘gangster’ — the hats, women and cars,” agreed Jason Clarke, who works alongside Depp in the film as fellow outlaw “Red” Hamilton. “They were guys that did what they wanted.” And speaking of people who can do whatever they want, it was hard to not notice the gangster-like power wielded by Depp and Bale as they walked the red carpet, greeted by shrieks of adoring fans. “I had a crush on Johnny when I was 6 years old,” Sobieski gushed. “I loved him in ‘Cry-Baby’!”

Yeah, I don’t know what it is about the romantic nature of gangsters but I feel that this impressive cast of actors will do a great service to that romantic notion and will do much to revive their appeal. I think the casting for this film is genius … as long as the writing in the film is decent, I suspect this movie will do very well. After the jump, check out a short video interview with Johnny Depp conducted by MTV News — the questions are kinda inane but Depp does a great job responding …

There were lots of jubilant smiles and happy faces … it’s nice that the stars of The Dark Knight can celebrate their new movie (reportedly a tour de force for Heath Ledger) without having to cast any mournful sadness on the event over the loss of Heath Ledger. After the jump, check out more pics from the black carpet arrivals at the movie premiere and a few photos of some of the attendees at the movie’s afterparty at the Mandarin Oriental …

Here are a few more guests walking the black carpet at last night’s movie premiere:

It looks like any celeb who was in the NYC vicinity was able to make their way to the movie’s premiere … and who could blame them? The Dark Knight promises to be the summer’s biggest blockbuster and will, most likely generate massive buzz for the rest of the year. Considering there is Oscar talk already, well, there’s no telling how huge TDK may turn out to be. I, for one, am counting down the seconds until I am able to see the movie this Thursday night at midnight.

Here are a few pics of some of the guests who attended the premiere afterparty at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, including Kim and Kate Ledger (Heath’s father and sister respectively) and various hotties:

I understand that Heath’s mother, Sally Bell, was also at last night’s premiere and/or afterparty but no members of the Ledger family gave any interviews to the press. Heath’s father was asked what he thought about the movie and he reportedly gave a thumbs up. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be for the family to watch this movie … but, again, I understand that Heath gave a phenomenal performance … one that will prolly live on as his legacy.

I believe there will be another premiere event for The Dark Knight here in LA this week … and then the movie will open for the rest of us to see. I am so excited!!!

[Photo credit: Splash News, Bauer-Griffin, Wireimage]