Depp is Black!

Rating: 8/10 (12 October 2015)

James 'Whitey' Bulger is a name that I had been unfamiliar with and even after a quick google search whilst waiting for the film to begin, Boston's most infamous Irish mob boss was still an unknown quantity. My lack of knowledge into the life and crimes of Jimmy Bulger worked in my favour, enabling me to sit back, relax and enjoy the film without the inevitable comparisons that Depp was receiving in his portrayal of the 'Real McCoy'. I made a mental note to allow the film to naturally unfold knowing that most mob/crime genre films are immediately compared unfairly to such classics as 'Goodfellas' and 'The Godfather'.
'Black Mass' deserves a good write-up because it is simply a good film. Depp's impeccable performance as the psychotic Bulger shows the doubters how good an actor he really is when given a character full of meat and less salad. Depp's scary portrayal drives the movie to heights that it otherwise would not have got to with a lesser craftsman. Johnny may have not looked exactly like Bulger but he wasn't far off it and his manner might of reminded us all of Ray Liotta out of 'Goodfellas' but the way in which he delivered his character was nothing short of superb. Depp's blue-eyed stare would have been disturbing for anyone on the receiving end and the ruthless nature that he goes about eliminating anyone that crosses him would have the best of us packing up and flying to a different planet. Johnny Depp may fall short of the ultimate gong at award season time but a nomination would not be unjustified.
Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart) hasn't done his Directing any harm with a film that won't look out of place in its genre. It may not get the same kudos as the mafia classics but it has a sound narrative driven by some outstanding talent. Cooper's main goal was to highlight the ferociousness of one of America's most dangerous men and the alliance he had with the FBI. Bulger becomes an informant for the Fed's so they can bring down rival mobsters that ruled the city of Boston in the 1970's and 80's. For the information that Bulger provides, he and his Winter Hill Gang are able to rise up from Boston's 'Southies' Projects and stake a claim to being the city's number one mobsters. Australia's very own Joel Edgerton plays the corrupt Fed, John Connelly, who is able to keep the aggressive Bulger in business. Edgerton is now at the top of his game in Hollywood and carries himself well along side the tremendous Depp. Benedict Cumberbatch brings star quality to his role as Jimmy Bulger's politically aligned brother, Billy Bulger and Kevin Bacon has a nice solid performance as Charles McGuire, an FBI Taskforce leader who is at loggerheads with Connelly about Bulger's involvement with the law.
Go and see this film for Depp's performance alone. His portrayal is first class all the way down to the idiosyncratic mannerisms. He looks psychotic, sounds psychotic and even feels psychotic. Cooper has given Depp free rein to develop a memorable character and it is backed up by an array of talent that makes 'Black Mass' worth the price of admission.