Black Mass

UK Release Date: 25th November 2015

The true story of Whitey Bulger, the brother of a state senator and the most infamous violent criminal in the history of South Boston, who became an FBI informant to take down a Mafia family invading his turf (www.imdb.com).

Director: Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart, Out of the Furnace)

Starring: Johnny Depp, Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kevin Bacon, Jesse Plemons, Peter Sarsgaard, Dakota Johnson, Adam Scott

Black Mass is supposed to be Johnny Depp's return to form. After the dismal Mortdecai earlier in the year, Depp has got some making up to do. His take on the notorious Boston gangster James 'Whitey' Bolger is one heck of a performance, one that's expected of his caliber. His transformation far exceeds the act. His piercing blue eyes is enough to make anyone flinch.

This movie follows the chunk of Bolger's life accredited to his relationship with the FBI, chiefly agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton), who he knew growing up. They strike a deal; the Bureau will leave Whitey alone if he gives up the location of rival gangsters. This gives him free will to do whatever he likes, whenever he likes.

Black Mass has an open narrative. A select few of Whitey's men tell stories of their time they spent with Bolger. Just as much focus goes on Edgerton as it does Depp, which greatly hinders the man we want to know more about. 

What we do see though, looks fantastic. The low-key lighting and the dark, gloomy exteriors fit Bolger's ever cloudy mood. This is a gangster films that broods and will be remembered for its main performer. 

4/5