Review of Black Mass (2015) by Joanna B — 22 Feb 2016
Extortion, racketeering, murder and a true story, Black Mass is a confronting and hard-hitting gangster film that exposes the dirty deeds of legendary Boston crime boss James 'Whitey' Bulger and his defining mantra - loyalty is everything.
More fascinating that the myriad of crimes Whitey commits is the indelible bond shared between him, his senator brother Billy and FBI agent John Connolly, who's shared past as street-kids opens a manipulative door for Bulger to exploit.
In 1970s South Boston, FBI Agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton) persuades his childhood friend ex-Alcatraz inmate come Irish mobster kingpin Jimmy 'Whitey' Bulger (Johnny Depp) to collaborate with the FBI in order to eliminate their encroaching common enemy: the Italian mob.
Sanguine in the idea that 'he's no rat' and it's not what you do, but when and where you do it and if no-one sees it, it didn't happen; Whitey agrees to the unholy alliance.
Further protected by his brothers (Benedict Cumberbatch) powerful political position, a free reined Whitey is able to evade law enforcement whilst consolidating far reaching power. But as Whitey transgresses every boundary of human decency, ruling with callous brutality, total detachment and unyielding intimidation tactics, who will manage to endure supporting him blindly?
Left lacking with fractured direction and muddy dialogue, the only reason this violent film is genuinely worthwhile can be summed up in one name, Johnny Depp. From his extreme Jack Nicolson style makeover and voice to his unbending Christopher Walken inspired body language and posture; Deep brings the best and ugliest aspects of the terrifying Whitey to life in what is truly the performance of his career - and at this early stage in the season my pick for Best Actor Oscar winner 2016.
The Verdict: Contrary to disputes by some of those exposed; the portrayal of this intriguing era of Bostonian history rings clearly as true.
Published: Canberra Weekly.
Date of Publication: 15/10/2015.
This review of Black Mass (2015) was written by Joanna B on 22 Feb 2016.
Black Mass has generally received positive reviews.
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