Power-Packed! Depp & Edgerton Are Brilliant!

Rating: 9/10 (19 September 2015)

Based on the 2001 book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob by Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill, 'Black Mass' finds Director Scott Cooper at his finest, delivering a Power-Packed biopic, that leaves you stone-cold. And Johnny Depp, along-with Joel Edgerton deliver BRILLIANTLY!
'Black Mass' is The true story of Whitey Bulger, the brother of a state senator and the most infamous violent criminal in the history of South Boston, who became an FBI informant to take down a Mafia family invading his turf.
'Black Mass' explores a violent time in American History & its utterly brutal. Watching Whitey Bulger, the monster, unleash his power, has moments that leave you astonished. The supporting characters, also, are equally conniving, with each one, giving us shades of pure menace. The True Story unfolds in a furious pace & the brutality, leaves you numb.
Jez Butterworth & Mark Mallouk's Adapted Screenplay is excellent. The Writing is razor-sharp, no-holds-barred! Its a scary story, that's been Written without any inhibitions. Its Purely About Crime! Scott Cooper's Direction is masterful. 'Black Mass' is his Finest Effort to date. He has handled the film with complete command. Masanobu Takayanagi's Cinematography is stunning. It so accurately compliments the narrative's mood. David Rosenbloom's Editing is crisp. Junkie XL's Score is fabulous. Action-Sequences are gruesome, but effective. Make-Up is flawlessly done. Art & Costume Design are satisfactory.
Johnny Depp as James "Whitey" Bulger, is spine-chilling. Its an unforgettable, eerie portrayal of the notorious Kingpin. Its a performance that proves Depp's versatility & fearlessness as an actor. Joel Edgerton as John Connolly, is astounding. He gets into the skin of the character & delivers a career-best performance. For Depp & Edgerton alone, 'Black Mass' is unmissable. Reserve Best Actor & Best Supporting Actor Nominations at all the Award Ceremonies next year for these two scene-stealers!
Amongst the supporting cast, Benedict Cumberbatch as William "Billy" Bulger, is efficient, Kevin Bacon as Charles McGuire, is solid, Dakota Johnson as Lindsey Cyr, is affecting & Peter Sarsgaard as Brian Halloran, is simply outstanding.
On the whole, 'Black Mass' needs to be watched & experienced. Its One Great Gangster Flick! Strongly Recommended!