It’s been difficult to take Johnny Depp seriously as an actor in recent years, with the goofy roles that he’s taken in films like The Lone Ranger, Into the Woods and Mortdecai. Not to mention his continual cashing in of paychecks as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean series. (And really, can you blame him for that? Money, money, money!)
With Depp acting largely in films aimed at younger audiences and playing oddball characters hidden behind wacky make-up, it’s easy to forget that he’s still capable of being a fine actor and at one time was considered someone who did really good work. But Depp may be getting back on the right track with his portrayal of Boston gangster Whitey Bulger in Black Mass. Check him out in this trailer.
https://youtu.be/uWsbqshD5TE
OK, Depp is somewhat hidden under make-up in this role too, with a combover wig and some freaky-looking contact lenses that almost make him look as if he’s possessed or an alien being.
But in the dinner table scene with David Harbour (The Newsroom, The Equalizer), Depp as Bulger is an extremely intense, intimidating presence. That’s not make-up. It’s his voice and demeanor. Even if he’s busting balls, Bulger’s reputation is imposing enough to really scare people. Yet he’s also charming enough to get you to give something up in conversation.
The lesson here: If someone asks for a recipe, just give it up — unless you don’t really like the person and have no worries about him or her killing you.
Black Mass — which is an unfortunate title that sounds more like a sci-fi movie or remake of The Blob, though it’s taken from the book it’s adapting — is directed by Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart, Out of the Furnace) with an impressive cast that includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Joel Edgerton, Peter Saarsgard, Kevin Bacon, Adam Scott, Corey Stoll and Dakota Johnson. The movie is scheduled for a Sept. 18 release.
[Vulture]
