Black Mass
Directed by Scott Cooper, Black Mass is the bio-pic of Boston gangster Whitey Bulger (played exquisitely by Johnny Depp). This role should definitely earn Depp an Oscar nod as I feel it really pushed his limits and acting chops, yet he was totally believable. The story basically takes us to the rise and fall of Bulger’s empire seen through the eyes of Bulger and childhood friend turned FBI agent John Connolly.(Played by Joel Edgerton). Edgerton himself is deserving of a supporting actor nomination as he grabs the viewers with his portrayal and really makes you feel for him. Some other notable actors in a supporting role are Benedict Cumberbatch, Kevin Bacon, Dakota Johnson, and Corey Stoll.
We see the progression and relationship between Bulger and Connolly grow throughout the film much to the chagrin of just about everyone else around them in their lives. The “loyal” relationship ultimately leads to the downfall of both.
The movie itself is nowhere near some of my favorite gangster films such as The Godfather, Goodfellas, etc… as it kind of drags on at times, but overall it isn’t bad. I would definitely recommend it to see the aforementioned performances alone. I mean, how talented is Johnny Depp to go from Captain Jack Sparrow to this?
7 out of 10.
