"Black Mass" Review

Title: Black Mass

Directed by: Scott Cooper

Screenplay by: Mark Mallouk and Jez Butterworth

Year: 2015


There is no doubt that Johnny Depp is a tremendous actor. He has graced us with several great and memorable performances, but he has been in a bit of a slump as of late. Ever since he played Captain Jack Sparrow, he seems to only be playing variations of that same character for every film he is in. But here, he is playing the real life figure of James "Whitey" Bulger. Does Depp's recent trend get in the way of portraying this crime boss, or has he finally come back to form?

Boston, 1970's: Irish mobster Whitey Bulger and his Winter Hill gang are fighting the Italian mob for control of Boston. Bulger makes a deal with FBI agent John Connolly that will allow them to take down the Italian mob. However, this alliance leads to the Winter Hill gang being able to commit a wide number of crimes without ever getting caught. How long can this ruse last?

I think it is safe to say that this is Depp's finest performance in years. He is unrecognizable in the role (partly because of the makeup) and he gives an outstanding performance. Depp has made his comeback and is possibly looking at a few nods from awards shows. I would say that he steals the movie, but just about every performance in this film is terrific. Joel Edgerton is quickly becoming someone to look out for. Coming off the success of The Gift, he gives yet another incredible performance as John Connolly. This film really does center around him and he is arguably the main character, and his performance is strong enough to go toe-to-toe with Depp in multiple scenes. Benedict Cumberbatch continues to impress, playing Bulger's older brother William. He is able to pull off the Boston accent and acts as a contrast of sorts to Bulger. Kevin Bacon plays Connolly's boss and, though his role is not given much screen time, Bacon makes the most of it. Even David Harbour is great in this movie, portraying Connolly's friend and partner. Jesse Plemons should also be mentioned as giving a really strong performance as his character is quite significant.

The story takes place over the course of a few years and shows Bulger's rise to power and infamy. The pacing works wonders for the picture, with the film never dragging or feeling slow. There is always something of interest happening that is crucial to the plot. However, the movie clocks in at just over two hours, which, by the end, feels too short. It feels as if there are other story elements that could have been included, such as spending more time with Bulger's brother or Connolly's boss. The film could have really benefitted from being an extra thirty minutes longer.

This brings me to my main issue with the movie, which is a lack of emotional attachment. There are quite a number of gruesome scenes that occur in the movie but there is a lack of feeling to them. This is a very procedural film that does not allow for attachment. We can relate to none of the characters, mainly because they are criminals, but also because we do not get to know them as well as we should. Other mob movies such as The Godfather and Goodfellas were able to pull this off, so there is no excuse here.

Special mention should go to the makeup done for Depp as it is breathtaking. He completely vanishes in the character and the makeup plays a big part in that. Bulger has a very vile, disgusting, vampiric look in this movie that makes him hard to look at while simultaneously visually mesmerizing.

Many mob movies are highlighted by certain scenes that are often referenced, and Black Mass has its share of these. The way we meet Bulger is one of them, as during a conversation, he is completely transfixed on a bowl of nuts and the speech he gives sets up his character well. But by far the best scene in this movie is at the dinner table. It involves a family recipe, and what starts out as a seemingly light hearted break from the cruelty and violence, turns out to be the most terrifying and chilling moment in the film.

Scott Cooper's direction is up to the task of bringing Boston to life. The camerawork is often inventive and delivers some gorgeous shots. There are moments of fluid tracking shots that help capture the setting and place the audience in the streets of South Boston.

Black Mass will not go down as one of the mob movie greats, but it is certainly an enjoyable watch, if you have the stomach for it. The performances are all amazing and the story itself is a fascinating one. But do not be surprised if you do not feel quite satisfied by the time the credits come about. The film is very hollow despite all its positives, but definitely worth watching, if only for the performances.

Grade: B+