BLACK MASS is the true story of James “Whitey” Bulger (Johnny Depp), a gang leader from the South of Boston during the 1970’s who became a FBI informant to help bring down a rival Italian gang. That FBI Agent openly working with Whitey is John Connolly (Joel Edgerton), a friend from the past who currently remains friends with state senator William “Billy” Bulger (Benedict Cumberbatch), Whitey’s brother.

It has been quite some time since we have seen Johnny Depp in a role that demands to be taken as seriously as this. In fact, you need to go back to 2009’s superb PUBLIC ENEMIES where Depp played gangster John Dillinger (to scintillating effect) to recall the last time he gave a memorable performance (for all the right reasons). Though sporting blue eye contacts where he sometimes resembles a vampire, we are blessed during BLACK MASS to see Depp at his most commanding and convincing in years. The first half of a busy screenplay concentrates hard on establishing the connections and relationships of each main character, giving us a holistic view of their lives and personas. It’s a view that allows the viewer to weigh up the pros and cons on each side, in a fair and fairly truthful manner. While fascinating and insightful, BLACK MASS doesn’t do a whole lot more than that until its second half which brings us more one-on-one with Whitey, and the fearless intimidation, bold brutality and sheer mercilessness committed by the notoriously violent thug. With this move bringing the viewer closer to the picture, along with a more noticeable score and some telling cinematography, the second half definitely goes up a level in tension. More use of these enhancing film-making elements and BLACK MASS would find itself sitting closer to several greats of the crime drama genre, rather than falling a little short of expectations set by its more evocative and powerful counterparts.

3.5 out of 5

BLACK MASS – FILM TRAILER

Footnote to Parents
The violence is quite brutal and confronting at times. And with over 250 uses of the f-word, BLACK MASS is for an adult audience over the age of 16.

MOVIEDOC wishes to thank Roadshow Films and Village Cinemas, Jam Factory for the invite to the media screening of BLACK MASS.

Review by MOVIEDOC
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