Film review: 'Black Mass'

 Johnny Depp gets deadly serious in "Black Mass." His portrayal of the notorious James "Whitey" Bulger is so mind blowing it deserves an Oscar. 

In 1975, Bulger was firmly establishing himself as the leader of Boston's Irish Mob. At the same time, childhood friend and now FBI agent, John Connolly (Joel Edgerton), has returned to Boston, determined to bring down the Italian Mob. Bulger and Connolly seize the opportunity to form a secret, unholy alliance, in which Connolly would overlook Bulger's crimes in exchange for information on Mafia activities. In theory, Bulger eliminates his enemies via the FBI and has carte blanche to terrorize his way to the top.

While Bulger is running drugs, racketeering and murdering on a whim, his brother, Billy (Benedict Cumberbatch), is exerting his power as longtime Massachusetts Senate President. His suave, methodical behavior stands in stark contrast to his psychotic brother's, and yet they're close. Their bond is the power to manipulate. 

Director Scott Cooper ("Crazy Heart") has crafted this real-life tale of Bulger's rise and fall with deft precision. His camera loves Boston with such reverence it becomes a character unto itself. Numerous angled and overhead shots give unique perspectives to the actors and their surroundings. And the cast he's assembled is beyond impressive. Homage paid to directors Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola doesn't go unnoticed.

But it's Johnny Depp who carries this engrossing film to unexpected levels. His appearance alone strikes fear into one's heart. Glaring blue eyes evoke such evil, it's difficult looking into them. The manner in which he speaks is foul and frightening. At times, his demeanor is reminiscent of Jack Nicholson in "The Departed" and Joe Pesci in "Goodfellas."

The extent to which Depp's performance mirrors the real James "Whitey" Bulger provoked crew members who knew him to comment, "...it was like a ghost coming back." Mr. Depp admits that this is his favorite out of all the films he has done. It's mine as well.