Beview: Venice film festival

Yellow Fever: Going Mustard for Venice

Wednesday, September 09, 2015
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Venice Film Festival Review - Black Mass

I have some very exciting news... I have moved to Italy! Yup, the home of Beview is now the land of lasagne and gelato. No doubt there will be a shift to some foodie reviews and posts in the coming weeks. Anyway, Italy is currently the home of this season's biggest film festival: Venice Film Festival. I simply couldn't miss it, so this weekend I took a trip to magnificent Venezia and the premiere of Johnny Depp's latest film: Black Mass.

Down to business; Black Mass is a gangster movie. There's your 5 word synopsis. And if you want 6 words, throw in the word "intense". Directed by Scott Cooper (only his third directed film), this is Johnny Depp in his finest form as notorious American gangster James 'Whitey' Bulger. It's already receiving rave reviews and setting the awards season buzz into the beginnings of a frenzy. Throw in some very raw scenes, a non-flashy depiction, and praiseworthy acting from Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson and even some Kevin Bacon (well of course Kevin Bacon's in it). The story is a true one, of the Winter Hill Gang, Boston in the 70s-80s.

Let's talk more Johnny Depp. Traditionally, he seems to come alive most when fully in character, especially in visual form (Jack Sparrow, Willy Wonka, Edward Scissorhands...you name it). His transformation as Whitey makes you barely recognise him, with the slick receding hair and those piercing ice blue eyes. Then you add that invisible cold, authoritative swagger and you know he means business. You know he's bad, you know he's a terrible criminal; yet Depp's character is truly transfixing. If you're a Depp fan, his stellar performance alone makes the film worth watching, but of course, there are many more credible reasons.

The story is told retrospectively, in a pretty straightforward narrative manner. There's nothing over-complicated about it. Perhaps it seems a little too simple at times, but you have to remember not every film is an Inception plot twist after twist one. You kind of know where the story is heading - especially if you're already familiar with the factual context - but there are still scenes which have you on the edge of your seat.

There's corruption, major question marks on who is 'good', especially when the FBI come into question. How far would you go, what lines would you cross, and would you feel guilt? Edgerton plays FBI agent John Connolly who creates an interesting alliance with Bulger in order to take down the Italian mob in Boston. Of course, I'm not sure many people would consider this a sensible idea, but his character is convinced, and Edgerton is convincing. It's a terrific performance and early reviews are already calling out Edgerton and Depp, even though there are great contributions to the more minor characters played by Benedict Cumberbatch (who nails the accent), Dakota Johnson (who made me feel quite emotional at one point!) and Julianne Nicholson.

Other things worth noting are the excellent make-up and transportation to the 70s - think American Hustle but a lot less glam. There are graphic violent scenes which you'd expect from a gangster movie; I'll warn you I had to do the whole look-to-the-ceiling/hide thing several times.

Black Mass is buzz-worthy. It's chilling and menacing, and I thought the acting was terrifically believable. It's not ground-breaking, however. I doubt it will be many people's 'best' film of 2015, but it's certainly one you'll pin down as a 'good' film. No, it's not flashy; yes, it is understated. It's a solid biopic, and good gangster film. Time will tell if it's a hit with the audiences and academies, but for now I will say it was a great film for my first Venice Film Festival visit and definitely one to watch when it's released later in September.

Watch the trailer here:

Black Mass is released in UK cinemas on 27th November. Other audiences will only have to wait til 18th September. Sorry, UK.

Monday, September 07, 2015
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Yellow Fever: Going Mustard for Venice

Venice Film Festival Review - Black Mass

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