When law was buried under underworld

Black Mass
English (A)
Cast: Johnny Depp, Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kevin Bacon, Peter Sarsgaard, Jesse Plemons, Rory Cochrane
Director: Scott Cooper
Rating: ****

The US has had its fair share of urban underworld groups, but rarely has organised crime been as dangerous as in Boston under James “Whitey” Bulger, whose rise and fall director Scott cooper depicts in “Black Mass”.

The danger was real, because Bulger’s episode was a pie in the face for the FBI, in whose ranks the mob boss had an “ally”. It led him on a path of crime that culminated in his arrest, conviction and jail, but not before he had spent 12 years on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, second only to Osama Bin Laden!

Johnny Depp, that chameleon of an actor, seems to have eased into character as Bulger with alarming clarity. However, somehow it is difficult to look past Depp the star and at Depp the actor, in which department he does a star turn. Keeping him histrionically company is Joel Edgerton, the FBI man who keeps shielding Bulger as an informant while taking down his opponent gang.

Cumberbatch seems a smidge underused as Bulger’s younger brother William, who would ultimately be forced out of his political career by his brother’s deeds. The others play their part, but rarely are given a chance to stand out.

The true star of “Black Mass”, in the end, is its story, style and treatment. It truly belongs to the “mob drama” genre, with seemingly inconsequential scenes and tight, all-else-secondary shots of characters that help develop each individual’s traits.

The music the film uses gives it a very bohemian touch, while the sparse use of bright colours, coupled with copious use of dark tones, lends it an ominous aura. And Scott thankfully credits his audience with having some grey matter, choosing to let events be only spoken of instead of depicting them.

“Black Mass” ends up being one of the more compelling films of the year, and a definite regular in the awards circuit later this year or early next.