No twin brothers could be more different than Reggie and Ronald Kray and Hardy plays them both so effectively with only small make up tricks and big acting chops. Browning plays Frances Shea a girl from around the neighbourhood who falls in love with and eventually marries brother Reggie.

The story told through her eyes gives the proceedings a more human tone and gives the tale a feel of authenticity that is tinged with great sadness. This approach helps raise the film above being a mere gangster yarn. It’s also great to see so many recognizable British character actors in one place.

As successful films based on real people often do, Legend creates a genuine interest in these real-life characters that can be easily feed. Both Wikipedia and John Pearson’s engaging book on which the movie is based (The Profession Of Violence) are great places to start.

Rob Hudson
www.legend-the-movie.com

Johnny Depp breaks step with all that pirate nonsense and delivers his best performance in years as Irish-American organised crime boss, James ‘Whitey’ Bulger. In 1975 as an informant, Bulger enjoyed the protection of the FBI whilst supplying information the Feds used to take down his Italian rivals and allowed him to replace them as a kingpin in Boston. It was a charmed deal for Bulger until the mid nineties when the media blew the lid off this corrupt arrangement.

A barely recognisable Depp gives a transformative, cold, piercing performance. His intense, non-blinking gaze is reminiscent of Anthony Hopkins’ Hannibal Lector or Daniel Henshall’s John Bunting in Snowtown. If Depp were not one of the most recognisable names on the planet, this would be his career-making performance.

Other recognisable faces come thick and fast: Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson, Kevin Bacon, Peter Sarsgaard, Adam Scott amongst many others – it’s enough to make a promising up ‘n’ coming actor cry! But all performances are great if overshadowed by Depp.

Black Mass is an excellent film about a fascinating moment in history. Highly recommended.

Stuart Jamieson
www.blackmassthemovie.com