Review of Black Mass (2015) by Paul B — 21 Oct 2015
Black Mass stars Johnny Depp and for once he's not pretending to be English, eccentric or a pirate and he's brilliant. Here he plays mobster James "Whitey" Bulger, the leader of the Winter Hill Gang an organised crime gang responsible for acts of murder, drug dealing and loan sharking in the Boston area during the 1970s to 1990.
Unbeknownst to his gang Bulger was also acting as an FBI informant to John Connolly played Joel Edgerton (Warrior), here they form an alliance to bring down an Italian mob boss.
Black Mass is a fascinating and violent depiction of power and corruption, especially from the character of Connolly who is seduced by the power that Bulger has. Edgerton is also excellent as Connolly. The film's supporting cast including Benedict Cumberbatch and Kevin Bacon who are superb as is Julianne Nicholson as Connolly's wife.
Depp is transformed as Bulger into an intimidating force and it's a welcome return to the type of role he is capable of.
This review of Black Mass (2015) was written by Paul B on 21 Oct 2015.
Black Mass has generally received positive reviews.
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