Though winning an Oscar for Best Actor in 2015 was probably never in the cards, Johnny Depp should’ve at-least been nominated. His remarkable performance as notorious criminal Whitey Bulger is not only the best of his career, it sure as hell topped those of Michael Fassbender & Eddie Redmayne (who were nominated).
If nothing else, after years of starring in cynically manufactured tripe that capitalized on his once-endearing quirky persona, Black Mass showed once and for all that Depp was capable of transforming to completely disappear into a character. He’s since done similarly serious roles in some lesser-known films, but this one should’ve stuck him back on the A-list (offscreen behavior issues be damned).
I’m also wondering if Black Mass should've been made with a different director, perhaps based on different source material. That’s not to say it’s a bad film by any stretch. Based on the non-fiction book and taking place over a couple of decades, Black Mass is about Bostonian crime boss James “Whitey” Bulger, who became an informant for the FBI, primarily to get rid of his enemies and continue his own illegal (and violent) operations under a blanket of immunity. His bureau contact is agent John Connelly (Joel Edgerton), a childhood friend who becomes increasingly corrupt in protecting Bulger from prosecution.
For the most part, Black Mass is a very compelling gangster film that tells an intriguing story. But at the same time, I felt myself wanting more. As interesting as Bulger’s alliance with the FBI is, the narrative offers comparatively little detail about his life as a career criminal, to say nothing of a personal family tragedy that’s basically summarized in a few brief scenes.
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| "But I called shotgun." |
No disrespect to director Scott Cooper, but had someone like Martin Scorsese been behind the camera, I suspect Black Mass could’ve been another potential Goodfellas, an epic chronicle of the rise and fall of one of the East Coast’s most notorious gangsters, with the FBI alliance merely comprising the middle act. Had we seen the relationship between Bulger and Connelly develop naturally - as well as the introduction of Whitey’s politician brother, William, played by Benedict Cumberbatch - their ultimate fates would’ve carried more dramatic weight. As it stands, we’re mostly informed of their friendship through exposition, and William barely even figures into the actual story.
The film concludes just as the most fascinating aspect of Bulger’s life is about to begin. After escaping Boston, he remained a fugitive for over 16 years. I don’t often wish for movies to run any longer than they already do, but an extra half-hour of Whitey on the run would’ve been the perfect conclusion.
Would’ve, should’ve, could’ve. Oh well…maybe someone will eventually make that epic film chronicling Bulger’s entire life. Until then, Black Mass is a compelling look at one of the more unusual alliances in American crime, anchored by Depp’s truly sinister and unnerving performance. Now available in 4K Ultra HD, this disc features solid picture and sound, as well as a smattering of archival bonus features, including a documentary that could sort-of serve as a sequel.
EXTRA KIBBLES
THE MANHUNT FOR WHITEY BURGER - This is an excellent hour-long documentary that picks up where the film leaves off, with the manhunt for Bulger, who remained on the lam for years.
FEATURETTES - Black Mass: Deepest Cover, Darkest Crime features interviews with numerous cast & crew, including director Scott Cooper and actors Johnny Depp, Joel Edgerton & Benedict Cumberbatch; Johnny Depp: Becoming Whitey Bulger focuses on Depp’s preparation and physical transformation into the main character.%20(1)%20(1)%20(2).png)
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