Black Mass
An adaptation of the book of the same name by two Boston Globe reporters who were responsible for exposing the seedy underbelly of the FBI and their murky relationship with one of America’s most notorious criminals James ‘Whitey’ Bulger.
Rather than tackling the story in the typical gangster biopic manner (which often sees a young perky lad rise to power before an inevitable fall due to greed and hubris) this film picks up after Bulger has already completed a stretch in Alcatraz. The primary focus of the film is the relationship between Bulger (Johnny Depp) and South Boston born FBI agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton) after Connolly convinces Bulger to form an ‘alliance’ to eliminate a common enemy. This newly formed ‘alliance’ allows Bulger to rapidly rise to power and become one of the most ruthless men in the Boston underworld, whilst persistently evading other law enforcement agencies.
The film is often plotting and methodical with it’s approach, similar to Bulger, which some may find too slow – but this is more of a character drama with intermittent violence dispersed throughout, rather than an all out gangster action thriller.
Edgerton and Depp are both outstanding in their roles and command the screen whenever it is graced with their presence, expect award nominations for both. (JA)
****
