Two films in double quick time that cover the life and times of notorious mobsters – first I saw Legend, which dealt with the English gangsters the Kray twins and now this about American standover man James “Whitey” Bulger. What they have in common is that their central characters appeared to revel in inflicting pain, while caring deeply for their mothers.
Johnny Depp, complete with comb-over and a “don’t mess with me” attitude plays Whitey. From working class stock, Bulger was imprisoned but his real power and strength only grew upon his release.
Black Mass explores how an alliance between Whitey and FBI Agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton) enabled Bulger to expand his criminal empire with impunity. Connolly – blinded by his own ambition – shielded Whitey from investigation, ignoring the rising body count. He had known Bulger and his brother, Billy, since they were kids growing up in the small enclave of South Boston, called ‘Southie’. While Connolly was rising through the FBI ranks by taking on the New York Mafia, Whitey Bulger was making a different kind of name for himself. He took over leadership of the local Winter Hill Gang, was feared by some, but considered something of a Robin Hood figure by others that regarded him as good to, and for, the neighbourhood. The FBI and Bulger had a common enemy back in the 1970s, namely the Italian mob; and it was at Connolly’s instigation that a deal was formulated that both sides regarded as a “win”. Trouble is, Connolly didn’t stop and think that Whitey would grow to become the most feared crime lord in Boston and one of the most dangerous gangsters in US history.
Like Legend, an air of sinister foreboding is apparent from the get go in Black Mass. Although his make up and prosthetics are far from convincing (think Armie Hammer in J Edgar), Depp appears to revel in the menace he exudes from the opening frames. This is a film where there is very little light. It is well and truly given over to the dark side. The violence and bloodshed are palpable. The characters are, by and large, crooked. The story unfolds through Bulger’s closest confidantes, who roll over in exchange for lighter sentences.
Joel Edgerton is all strut and bravado as the man who thinks he has the FBI in his back pocket when he brokers an agreement that will see the organisation nail the Mafia. Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game) takes a lower profile as Whitey’s brother, powerful State Senator Billy Bulger. The movie also features Kevin Bacon (Crazy, Stupid, Love) as FBI Special Agent in Charge Charles McGuire.
Black Mass is directed by Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart) from a screenplay by Mark Mallouk and Jez Butterworth (Edge of Tomorrow), based upon a book by Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill. It is a film, which deliberately gets down and gets dirty, and kept me involved throughout. It is a tough and gritty crime drama that, I dare say, will have a largely male following. Rated MA, Black Mass scores a 7½ out of 10.
Director: Scott Cooper
Cast: Johnny Depp, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson and Joel Edgerton
Release Date: 8 October 2015
Rating: MA15+
Alex First
David Edwards is the editor of The Blurb and a contributor on film and television
