Black Mass

So a couple of days ago I watched Black Mass (2015).

No, it's not about satanism, but about James “Whitey” Bulger, a crime lord from Boston. The lead is played by Johnny Depp and it is directed by Scott Cooper.

The title is interesting in itself, since it could be referring to Massachusetts which is shortened to Mass, or it could refer to the deal Bulger makes with the FBI. The deal really is central to the plot, more so than the crimes committed.

The central plot you see, is about an agent, John Connolly, who makes the aforementioned deal. He grew up with Bulger, and wants to use him to bring down the Italian Mafia in Boston. Bulger in turn wants to use the immunity the FBI gives him to control South Boston, or Southie as they call it. But this is a complicated relationship, and you will have to watch the movie to see how it goes.

In my mind, the most interesting part of this film is not the plot or the acting or anything like that. It's the movie itself. It's good, it really is, but I don't know why. It certainly isn't great. But it's solid enough even though nothing happens here that you haven't seen before if you watch crime movies. Other films deal with the subject matter better, though Black Mass does nothing wrong.

When the first hour had passed, I was surprised. It didn't feel like an hour had passed at all. Twenty minutes later I started to wonder when it would be over. (There was 40 minutes left.) The pacing is a bit weird, I suppose, but in essence I'd say the movie does what it wants to with no regard for what you want. Pretty much like Bulger himself. I guess you could say the movie is Whitey Bulger, but that would sound pretentious, so I won't say it.

Would I recommend this film? Yes. It's well made on all fronts and Depp is on point again. So much so, in fact.

Did I like Black Mass? Yes, but will I ever watch it again? Probably not.

I think this story would have been better served as a TV series. There are nuances and complications that are left hanging, mostly I suppose due to time constraints, and the movie is already two hours long.

At the end of the line, I think you should watch it and make up your own mind.

Until we see each other again, have a groovy week!