Before his 16 years on the FBI’s Most Wanted list and 2 consecutive life terms plus an additional 5 years for taking 11 lives, James “Whitey” Bulger (Johnny Depp) was a small-time crime boss in South Boston, Massachusetts. Black Mass explores the post-Alcatraz life of Jimmy Bulger and his “alliance” with John Connelly (Joel Edgerton), of the FBI. The film introduces Bulger, his crewmembers and his background as a criminal, briefly, before catapulting the audience into what led to his name on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.
Although this is the film that critics are saying will catapult Depp to his rightful Oscar win because of his shocking transformation into Jimmy Bulger, he might have come a little short. Depp delivers an incredible performance of Jimmy Bulger, but this performance would be moot without the help of his other cast-mates. Benedict Cumberbatch, as Jimmy’s brother Billy Bulger, and Joel Edgerton add another level of intensity to the film.
Once you get past Depp’s uncanny resemblance as Jimmy Bulger, Black Mass continues to draw in the audience with incredibly tense scenes and a story that drives the movie along. The minute a scene ends and a new scene begins, the tone is felt immediately, whether the tension is thick enough to cut with a knife or you are empathetic towards Bulger.
The cinematography, the costume design and the overall feel of the film might just make the cut for Academy Award nominations. As for Depp’s performance as James Bulger, it might not be enough. He was a very convincing Bulger, but, as a fan of Mr. Depp, he could have done better. His performance did not disappoint and there were many great moments, but, unfortunately, his performance may not be convincing enough to earn him an Oscar nom.
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