Black Mass' review: Weak screenplay dilutes the impact of Johnny Depp's latest film, Those who decide to watch this week’s much-hyped release ‘Black Mass’ may at some point be reminded of the old saying “all that glitters is not gold”. Featuring an ensemble cast, a meaningful plot and some interesting twists, the film at first glance comes across as nothing short of an absolute delight for all and sundry. However, at the end of the day, it just fails to leave much of an impact and turns out to be a big disappointment.
Touted as a crime-drama and based on a book of the same name, ‘Black Mass’ revolves around the rise and fall of a dreaded mafia king pin named Whitey Bulger. The basic storyline per se is quite effective and has some strong emotional under currents.
However, it never reaches its full potential courtesy some rushed and half-baked writing. The screenplay, which has been written by Jez Butterworth and Mark Mallouk, relies more on “telling” rather than “showing” especially at all the crucial points.
As a result, the emotional bonds between the characters end up being sketchy and their conversations turn out be a bit preachy. Hence, one really gets too engrossed in the on screen proceedings.
That said and done some scenes manage to hold one’s attention albeit temporary. The sequences depicting the protagonist’s interaction with his son are a case in point.
There is bit of tenderness about them. Moreover, the ‘family secret’ scene too clicks as it is intense and humourous at the same time.
On the flip side, the climatic sequences seem a bit rushed and sudden. Furthermore, the intimate moments serve no real purpose. On the contrary, they seem a bit forced and long drawn.
On top of that, even though the violent twists add a proverbial shock factor to the narrative, they aren’t exactly something we haven’t seen in other films belonging to the crime-drama genre.
As far as performances are concerned Johnny Depp is pretty good. The 52-year-old underplays his part with effortless ease, delivering an intense yet subdued performance. Benedict Cumberatch adds new life to his character thanks to his suave body language.
However, one can’t help but feel that the ‘Sherlock’ star deserved a meatier role. Joel Edgerton is adequate. In fact, he fares pretty well in the some of the dramatic sequences.
The supporting cast does its bit reasonably well.
The cinematography is top notch. The use of closeups in some of Depp’s scenes is a wise move. It goes a long way in highlighting the subdued nature of his act.
David Rosenbloom’s editing could have been better. The aforementioned intimate scenes coud have been shortened.
On the whole, the Scott Cooper-directed ‘Black Mass’ is an ambitious attempt at storytelling which could have been a mesmorising film had its talented actors been given ample scope and time to strike up a crackling onscreen rapport.
Touted as a crime-drama and based on a book of the same name, ‘Black Mass’ revolves around the rise and fall of a dreaded mafia king pin named Whitey Bulger. The basic storyline per se is quite effective and has some strong emotional under currents.
However, it never reaches its full potential courtesy some rushed and half-baked writing. The screenplay, which has been written by Jez Butterworth and Mark Mallouk, relies more on “telling” rather than “showing” especially at all the crucial points.
As a result, the emotional bonds between the characters end up being sketchy and their conversations turn out be a bit preachy. Hence, one really gets too engrossed in the on screen proceedings.
That said and done some scenes manage to hold one’s attention albeit temporary. The sequences depicting the protagonist’s interaction with his son are a case in point.
There is bit of tenderness about them. Moreover, the ‘family secret’ scene too clicks as it is intense and humourous at the same time.
On the flip side, the climatic sequences seem a bit rushed and sudden. Furthermore, the intimate moments serve no real purpose. On the contrary, they seem a bit forced and long drawn.
On top of that, even though the violent twists add a proverbial shock factor to the narrative, they aren’t exactly something we haven’t seen in other films belonging to the crime-drama genre.
As far as performances are concerned Johnny Depp is pretty good. The 52-year-old underplays his part with effortless ease, delivering an intense yet subdued performance. Benedict Cumberatch adds new life to his character thanks to his suave body language.
However, one can’t help but feel that the ‘Sherlock’ star deserved a meatier role. Joel Edgerton is adequate. In fact, he fares pretty well in the some of the dramatic sequences.
The supporting cast does its bit reasonably well.
The cinematography is top notch. The use of closeups in some of Depp’s scenes is a wise move. It goes a long way in highlighting the subdued nature of his act.
David Rosenbloom’s editing could have been better. The aforementioned intimate scenes coud have been shortened.
On the whole, the Scott Cooper-directed ‘Black Mass’ is an ambitious attempt at storytelling which could have been a mesmorising film had its talented actors been given ample scope and time to strike up a crackling onscreen rapport.
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