"Black Mass" Reminds Us Why Depp, Cumberbatch Are So Good

Rating: 9/10 (19 September 2015)

* SPOILERS *
I saw "Black Mass" yesterday at a matinée, with no expectations, even though there is some buzz about the film. I wanted to see from an unbiased perspective if Depp still had the brilliance he'd displayed in the early part of his career with films like "What's Eating Gilbert Grape", "Ed Wood", and of course, "Edward Scissorhands". I was curious if his tent pole films ("Pirates of the Caribbean") had made him lazy and cynical. The first thing I noticed was his hair (obviously), so turning the heart throb into an older, hardened criminal was completed. But what I then noticed was the subtle way they introduced his predator blue eyes. And as the film ran, his eyes became more and more evil - it was a great makeup job, and the way Depp used them to great affect was chilling.
Another interesting thing about the film is the way they presented Jimmie Bulger at first as a sort of reformed criminal, having "done a dime at Alcatraz", and ever the Irish Catholic altar boy, looking after the elderly ladies, with whom he had a fondness for. Seeing him dote on his young son, you could feel his pain after his son's passing, where you almost feel sorry for the guy. But his anger and blood lust just keep on escalating, empowered by his cohorts and FBI friend, and as you watch him strangle the niece of one of his crew, any empathy you had for the man is rapidly torn away. He is an animal, predator, socio- ("or is it psycho-") path, murderer.
So Depp indeed does show why he deserves his fame - and a good part of the reason is usually due to the director, as his recent performances have shown that a great actor is only as good as his director (what was Wally Pfister thinking in "Transcendence"?), so part of Depp's success in "Black Mass" must be credited to Justin Kurzel. Likewise, Benedict Cumberbatch as Bulger's brother Billie is barely recognizable, and holds to his reputation as one of the finest actors in the current era. The rest of the team is solid, if under-exposed - there are some excellent performances, notable Joel Edgerton as FBI mole John Connolly, and Julianne Nicholson as Connolly's stolid wife. The production design, sound, and other film technicals are ably handled, giving that cold, hard "Southy" Boston atmosphere. This was an excellent film, and held my interest throughout. And while the story was fascinating, Depp really shines, giving one of, if not the, the best performances of his career. And though not a lead role, Cumberbatch also really shines (let's face it, he always does..), as does Edgerton. If you are a fan of film, you must see "Black Mass".