Review: Black Mass (2015) · 10:34pm Oct 29th, 2015

Scott Cooper's slow burn character study of infamous Boston mobster James "Whitey" Bulger is a showcase for a truly transformative performance by Johnny Depp, and while slow moving, is still an effective and engrossing portrait of Bulger.

Scott Cooper avoids making a flashy film, instead directing the film in an understated manner. More often then not, he'll leave the camera running, allowing his actors, especially Depp, room to flex and perform. He also manages to create an atmosphere around the proceedings that is brooding and introspective, so those expect a Scorsese style wild ride aren't going to find it. Cooper instead goes in a different direction that works just as well, aiming more for character study then pulse pounding.

Of all the great performances here, the real star is Johnny Depp, who, after a series of middling films that wasted his incredible talent, is once more able to show why he's possibly one of the best character actors working today. Depp completely vanishes behind the make-up to make him more resemble the real life Bulger, and from underneath his heavy eyebrows peers icy blue eyes that always seem to be hatefully glaring at everyone and everything. Speaking in a thick Boston rasp and with a tone that drips with sociopathy, Depp shoots back to the top of his game. Hopefully, he can ride this wave to a Best Actor nomination, which I think he richly deserves.

Joel Edgerton turns in an excellent performance as the conflicted FBI agent/friend of Bulger, John Connolly. Its abundantly clear that Connolly has an almost worshipful veneration for Bulger, and this, coupled with the South Boston obsession with loyalty, leads to his downfall. Edgerton has time and again proved to be one of the great supporting actor types, and he does it again here.

The rest of the cast, ranging from Benedict Cumberbatch to Kevin Bacon to Corey Stoll to Adam Scott to Peter Sarsgaard to Dakota Johnson all turn in excellent performances, and everybody is on point. Its always great to see actors in their element, and we get to see that here.

Masanobu Takayanagi's cinematography and Tom Holkenborg's brooding score help contribute to the dark, cerebral aura of the film. It's very effective, deeply atmospheric work, and makes the film feel appropriately dark.

If this film has a flaw, its that its pacing is very slow. While its only about 2 hours, it does feel longer, and that can mean it drags on occasion. But for me, it was still entrancing and immersive enough to support this for the most part.

So suffice to say, Black Mass is a strong, solid film that provides a real showcase for Johnny Depp to come roaring back to life in a way we haven't seen in quite some time.

4.5 out of 5