Exclusive: On April 18th of this year, at a parole board hearing in New Hampshire, convicted murderer James Parker was granted parole for his role in the brutal 2001 stabbing murders of Half and Suzanne Zantop, a pair of married Dartmouth professors. After acquiring rights to Judgment Ridge, a work of nonfiction detailing the chilly story of those murders, producers Randy and Steven Toll have enlisted Matthew Gentile (American Murderer) to direct a feature adaptation from his own script.
Written by Dick Lehr and Mitchell Zuckoff, Judgment Ridge evokes clear memories of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, as it delves deeply into the inexplicable behavior that led to these ruthless murders. It was at age 16 that Parker conspired with his best friend to commit the murders of the Zantrops. He and co-conspirator Robert Tulloch came to commit the crime after plotting to put together the $10,000 they needed to move to...
Written by Dick Lehr and Mitchell Zuckoff, Judgment Ridge evokes clear memories of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, as it delves deeply into the inexplicable behavior that led to these ruthless murders. It was at age 16 that Parker conspired with his best friend to commit the murders of the Zantrops. He and co-conspirator Robert Tulloch came to commit the crime after plotting to put together the $10,000 they needed to move to...
- 5/9/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The fifth episode of How to Become a Mob Boss revolves around the life of Boston’s most powerful mob boss, James “Whitey” Bulger. He had managed to keep his proceedings undercover for a very long time, making him one of the most nearly invincible individuals on the face of the earth. He had done everything right to extend his shelf life as a mob boss and had taken all possible precautions to keep himself from getting caught. His predicting capability helped him obliterate every threat coming his way! How heinous were his crimes? Did he finally get caught? Let us find out!
Spoilers Ahead
What Was Whitey’s Reputation in Boston?
James “Whitey” Bulger was the head of Boston’s Winter Hill Gang and was well known for having ordered at least 19 murders and ranking an estimated $30 million in illicit cash. Emily Sweeney, the reporter for the Boston Globe,...
Spoilers Ahead
What Was Whitey’s Reputation in Boston?
James “Whitey” Bulger was the head of Boston’s Winter Hill Gang and was well known for having ordered at least 19 murders and ranking an estimated $30 million in illicit cash. Emily Sweeney, the reporter for the Boston Globe,...
- 11/15/2023
- by Debjyoti Dey
- Film Fugitives
20th Century Studios has unveiled the first trailer for the true crime thriller Boston Strangler starring two-time Oscar nominee Keira Knightley and Emmy nominee Carrie Coon. The drama’s based on the true story of reporters Loretta McLaughlin and Jean Cole who went to extraordinary lengths to break the story of the serial killer known as the Boston Strangler.
The trailer’s release was accompanied by a new poster and photos.
Keira Knightley stars as Loretta McLaughlin and Carrie Coon (Fargo) stars as Jean Cole. Alessandro Nivola (Amsterdam) plays Detective Conley and Academy Award winner Chris Cooper (Adaptation) is Jack MacLaine. The cast also includes David Dastmalchian (Dune), Morgan Spector (Homeland), and Bill Camp (Joker).
Matt Ruskin (Crown Heights) wrote the screenplay and directed the thriller. Ridley Scott (The Martian), Kevin J. Walsh (House of Gucci), Michael Pruss (American Woman), Josey McNamara (Promising Young Woman), and Tom Ackerley served as producers,...
The trailer’s release was accompanied by a new poster and photos.
Keira Knightley stars as Loretta McLaughlin and Carrie Coon (Fargo) stars as Jean Cole. Alessandro Nivola (Amsterdam) plays Detective Conley and Academy Award winner Chris Cooper (Adaptation) is Jack MacLaine. The cast also includes David Dastmalchian (Dune), Morgan Spector (Homeland), and Bill Camp (Joker).
Matt Ruskin (Crown Heights) wrote the screenplay and directed the thriller. Ridley Scott (The Martian), Kevin J. Walsh (House of Gucci), Michael Pruss (American Woman), Josey McNamara (Promising Young Woman), and Tom Ackerley served as producers,...
- 2/21/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Yesterday, we got a look at a couple images of Keira Knightley (the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise) and Carrie Coon (Ghostbusters: Afterlife) as their characters in the upcoming serial killer drama based on the Boston Strangler murders, a project that was produced by Ridley Scott. Boston Strangler will be released through the Hulu streaming service in the US on March 17th. In other countries, it will be available to watch on Disney+. Now Deadline has revealed that there will also be a three-part companion podcast from ABC News division ABC Audio, which will be “released for free on all major podcast platforms ahead of the film’s debut.”
Matt Ruskin (Crown Heights) wrote and directed Boston Strangler, which was filmed in Boston back in December of 2021 and January of 2022. The movie tells the true story of Loretta McLaughlin, the first reporter to connect the murders and break the story of the Strangler.
Matt Ruskin (Crown Heights) wrote and directed Boston Strangler, which was filmed in Boston back in December of 2021 and January of 2022. The movie tells the true story of Loretta McLaughlin, the first reporter to connect the murders and break the story of the Strangler.
- 1/4/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Carrie Coon as Jean Cole and Keira Knightley as Loretta McLaughlin in ‘Boston Strangler’ (Photo by Claire Folger © 2022 20th Century Studios)
20th Century Studios has unveiled the first three photos from the thriller Boston Strangler, coming to Hulu on March 17, 2023. Two-time Oscar nominee Keira Knightley stars as Loretta McLaughlin and Emmy nominee Carrie Coon (Fargo) plays Jean Cole, two of the journalists who broke the story of the Boston Strangler.
The cast also includes Alessandro Nivola (Amsterdam), David Dastmalchian (Dune), Morgan Spector (Homeland), Bill Camp (Joker), and Oscar winner Chris Cooper (Adaptation). Matt Ruskin (Crown Height) wrote the screenplay and directed, with Ridley Scott, Kevin J. Walsh, Michael Pruss, Josey McNamara, and Tom Ackerley producing.
Michael Fottrell and Sam Roston serve as executive producers.
A special three-part true crime podcast focusing on the Boston Strangler will debut prior to the film’s March 2023 premiere. The podcast will be hosted by...
20th Century Studios has unveiled the first three photos from the thriller Boston Strangler, coming to Hulu on March 17, 2023. Two-time Oscar nominee Keira Knightley stars as Loretta McLaughlin and Emmy nominee Carrie Coon (Fargo) plays Jean Cole, two of the journalists who broke the story of the Boston Strangler.
The cast also includes Alessandro Nivola (Amsterdam), David Dastmalchian (Dune), Morgan Spector (Homeland), Bill Camp (Joker), and Oscar winner Chris Cooper (Adaptation). Matt Ruskin (Crown Height) wrote the screenplay and directed, with Ridley Scott, Kevin J. Walsh, Michael Pruss, Josey McNamara, and Tom Ackerley producing.
Michael Fottrell and Sam Roston serve as executive producers.
A special three-part true crime podcast focusing on the Boston Strangler will debut prior to the film’s March 2023 premiere. The podcast will be hosted by...
- 1/3/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
(Welcome to ...And More, our no-frills, zero B.S. guide to when and where you can watch upcoming movies and shows, and everything else you could possibly stand to know.)
True crime fever is sweeping the globe and the only prescription is, well, more true crime! Who among us could possibly resist the allure of David Fincher's serial killer thriller "Zodiac" or the journalistic triumph amid horrific events in "Spotlight"? There's just something incredibly compelling about the idea of monstrous, real-life villains and the heroic figures -- flawed or otherwise -- who rose up to try and help take them down. The physical and emotional toll of such well-intentioned efforts has been closely documented, making these historical events perfect for adaptations into the noir genre and other investigative-focused stories.
With that in mind, perhaps it was only a matter of time before the infamous Boston Strangler was once again given the big-screen treatment.
True crime fever is sweeping the globe and the only prescription is, well, more true crime! Who among us could possibly resist the allure of David Fincher's serial killer thriller "Zodiac" or the journalistic triumph amid horrific events in "Spotlight"? There's just something incredibly compelling about the idea of monstrous, real-life villains and the heroic figures -- flawed or otherwise -- who rose up to try and help take them down. The physical and emotional toll of such well-intentioned efforts has been closely documented, making these historical events perfect for adaptations into the noir genre and other investigative-focused stories.
With that in mind, perhaps it was only a matter of time before the infamous Boston Strangler was once again given the big-screen treatment.
- 1/3/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Carrie Coon as Jean Cole in 20th Century Studios’ Boston Strangler, exclusively on Hulu. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.
“Boston Strangler,” 20th Century Studios true-crime thriller from writer-director Matt Ruskin about the trailblazing reporters who broke the story of the notorious Boston Strangler murders of the 1960s, will premiere March 17, 2023, exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories.
“Boston Strangler” stars two-time Oscar® nominee Keira Knightley, Emmy® nominee Carrie Coon, Alessandro Nivola (“Amsterdam”), David Dastmalchian (“Dune”), Morgan Spector (“Homeland”), Bill Camp (“Joker”), and Academy Award® winner Chris Cooper (“Adaptation”). Written and directed by Matt Ruskin (“Crown Heights”), the film is produced by Ridley Scott (“The Martian”), Kevin J. Walsh (“House of Gucci”), Michael Pruss (“American Woman”), Josey McNamara (“Promising Young Woman”), and Tom Ackerley, with Michael Fottrell (“The Fate of the Furious...
“Boston Strangler,” 20th Century Studios true-crime thriller from writer-director Matt Ruskin about the trailblazing reporters who broke the story of the notorious Boston Strangler murders of the 1960s, will premiere March 17, 2023, exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories.
“Boston Strangler” stars two-time Oscar® nominee Keira Knightley, Emmy® nominee Carrie Coon, Alessandro Nivola (“Amsterdam”), David Dastmalchian (“Dune”), Morgan Spector (“Homeland”), Bill Camp (“Joker”), and Academy Award® winner Chris Cooper (“Adaptation”). Written and directed by Matt Ruskin (“Crown Heights”), the film is produced by Ridley Scott (“The Martian”), Kevin J. Walsh (“House of Gucci”), Michael Pruss (“American Woman”), Josey McNamara (“Promising Young Woman”), and Tom Ackerley, with Michael Fottrell (“The Fate of the Furious...
- 1/3/2023
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
20th Century Studios has unveiled first-look photos from its true-crime thriller Boston Strangler — also unveiling a premiere date for the film starring two-time Oscar nominee Keira Knightley (The Imitation Game).
Pic will bow on March 17 exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories.
Also newly announced is a three-part companion podcast — from ABC News division, ABC Audio — to be released for free on all major podcast platforms ahead of the film’s debut.
The Boston Strangler film from writer-director Matt Ruskin follows Loretta McLaughlin (Knightley), a reporter for the Record-American newspaper, who becomes the first journalist to connect the Boston Strangler murders of the 1960s. As the mysterious killer claims more and more victims, Loretta attempts to continue her investigation alongside colleague and confidante Jean Cole (Carrie Coon), yet the duo finds themselves stymied by the rampant sexism of the era.
Pic will bow on March 17 exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories.
Also newly announced is a three-part companion podcast — from ABC News division, ABC Audio — to be released for free on all major podcast platforms ahead of the film’s debut.
The Boston Strangler film from writer-director Matt Ruskin follows Loretta McLaughlin (Knightley), a reporter for the Record-American newspaper, who becomes the first journalist to connect the Boston Strangler murders of the 1960s. As the mysterious killer claims more and more victims, Loretta attempts to continue her investigation alongside colleague and confidante Jean Cole (Carrie Coon), yet the duo finds themselves stymied by the rampant sexism of the era.
- 1/3/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Following his SAG nomination for actor in a drama series, Sterling K. Brown is in negotiations to star in Fox Searchlight’s biopic “The Fence,” sources tell Variety.
Peter Nicks is on board to direct. George Pelecanos and Dennis Lehane, who originally brought the book to HBO before it landed at Searchlight, teamed up to adapt the script.
Based on the book by award-winning Boston Globe journalist Dick Lehr (“Black Mass”), “The Fence” follows the true story of Michael Cox, an African-American undercover cop who is mistaken for a suspect and brutally beaten by his own force following one of the largest police chases in Boston history. As Cox seeks answers and justice for what happened, he finds himself on the other side of the “blue wall of silence” as the Boston Police Department aggressively covers it up.
Jim Kohlberg and Luke Parker Bowles of Story Mining & Supply Co....
Peter Nicks is on board to direct. George Pelecanos and Dennis Lehane, who originally brought the book to HBO before it landed at Searchlight, teamed up to adapt the script.
Based on the book by award-winning Boston Globe journalist Dick Lehr (“Black Mass”), “The Fence” follows the true story of Michael Cox, an African-American undercover cop who is mistaken for a suspect and brutally beaten by his own force following one of the largest police chases in Boston history. As Cox seeks answers and justice for what happened, he finds himself on the other side of the “blue wall of silence” as the Boston Police Department aggressively covers it up.
Jim Kohlberg and Luke Parker Bowles of Story Mining & Supply Co....
- 12/12/2018
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
There’s another Lee stepping into the spotlight.
Tonya Lewis Lee — wife of Spike and a producer in her own right — and her ToniK Prods. partner Nikki Silver have acquired the rights to Dick Lehr’s Ya novel Trell. Inspired by the true story of one of Boston’s most notorious murders, the story chronicles an African-American girl’s fight to free her wrongfully convicted father from prison.
Lehr (repped by Fourward), a former reporter for the Boston Globe’s famed Spotlight Team, covered the story three decades ago before turning it into a youth-skewing page-turner last year ...
Tonya Lewis Lee — wife of Spike and a producer in her own right — and her ToniK Prods. partner Nikki Silver have acquired the rights to Dick Lehr’s Ya novel Trell. Inspired by the true story of one of Boston’s most notorious murders, the story chronicles an African-American girl’s fight to free her wrongfully convicted father from prison.
Lehr (repped by Fourward), a former reporter for the Boston Globe’s famed Spotlight Team, covered the story three decades ago before turning it into a youth-skewing page-turner last year ...
There’s another Lee stepping into the spotlight.
Tonya Lewis Lee — wife of Spike and a producer in her own right — and her ToniK Prods. partner Nikki Silver have acquired the rights to Dick Lehr’s Ya novel Trell. Inspired by the true story of one of Boston’s most notorious murders, the story chronicles an African-American girl’s fight to free her wrongfully convicted father from prison.
Lehr (repped by Fourward), a former reporter for the Boston Globe’s famed Spotlight Team, covered the story three decades ago before turning it into a youth-skewing page-turner last year ...
Tonya Lewis Lee — wife of Spike and a producer in her own right — and her ToniK Prods. partner Nikki Silver have acquired the rights to Dick Lehr’s Ya novel Trell. Inspired by the true story of one of Boston’s most notorious murders, the story chronicles an African-American girl’s fight to free her wrongfully convicted father from prison.
Lehr (repped by Fourward), a former reporter for the Boston Globe’s famed Spotlight Team, covered the story three decades ago before turning it into a youth-skewing page-turner last year ...
Exclusive: Peter Nicks is set to direct an adaptation of The Fence: A Police Cover-Up Along Boston’s Racial Divide for Fox Searchlight. The project, which is based on the book by journalist Dick Lehr (Black Mass) recounts the true story of Michael Cox, an African American plainclothes officer who is mistakenly beaten during a police chase and then finds himself on the other side of the "blue wall of silence" as the Boston Police Department covers it up. The book was…...
- 8/29/2017
- Deadline
With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options — not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves — we’ve taken it upon ourselves to highlight the titles that have recently hit the interwebs. Every week, one will be able to see the cream of the crop (or perhaps some simply interesting picks) of streaming titles (new and old) across platforms such as Netflix, iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, and more (note: U.S. only). Check out our rundown for this week’s selections below.
The Benefactor (Andrew Renzi)
Seeking out substantial leading characters of complexity within independent dramas in recent years, Richard Gere has delivered accomplished performances in Arbitrage and Time Out of Mind. He’s now found another with the directorial debut of Andrew Renzi, which follows Gere as the title character, a profoundly rich philanthropist who enjoys helping out those close to him while he struggles with his own demons of addiction.
The Benefactor (Andrew Renzi)
Seeking out substantial leading characters of complexity within independent dramas in recent years, Richard Gere has delivered accomplished performances in Arbitrage and Time Out of Mind. He’s now found another with the directorial debut of Andrew Renzi, which follows Gere as the title character, a profoundly rich philanthropist who enjoys helping out those close to him while he struggles with his own demons of addiction.
- 1/15/2016
- by TFS Staff
- The Film Stage
The second annual The Power Of Words: Book to Screen will take place on January 7 under the auspices of the 27th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (Psiff).
Barbara Keller and Susan Rosser curate the event in which authors, producers, stars and screenwriters will discuss adaptations.
The upcoming symposium’s participants will include Carol screenwriter Phyllis Nagy, Far From The Madding Crowd (pictured) screenwriter David Nicholls and The Danish Girl author David Ebershoff and screenwriter Lucinda Coxon.
Guests include Black Mass author Dick Lehr, The Run Of His Life: The People vs. O.J. Simpson author Jeffrey Toobin, TV show creator Darren Starr and Younger author Pamela Redmond Satran.
Select films from the programme will screen at the festival on January 6 and relevant books will be available for purchase at a Barnes & Noble “pop-up store” at the venue.
Programme sponsors include Spencer’s, Lulu California Bistro, Hilton Palm Springs and Barnes & Noble.
Psiff will take...
Barbara Keller and Susan Rosser curate the event in which authors, producers, stars and screenwriters will discuss adaptations.
The upcoming symposium’s participants will include Carol screenwriter Phyllis Nagy, Far From The Madding Crowd (pictured) screenwriter David Nicholls and The Danish Girl author David Ebershoff and screenwriter Lucinda Coxon.
Guests include Black Mass author Dick Lehr, The Run Of His Life: The People vs. O.J. Simpson author Jeffrey Toobin, TV show creator Darren Starr and Younger author Pamela Redmond Satran.
Select films from the programme will screen at the festival on January 6 and relevant books will be available for purchase at a Barnes & Noble “pop-up store” at the venue.
Programme sponsors include Spencer’s, Lulu California Bistro, Hilton Palm Springs and Barnes & Noble.
Psiff will take...
- 12/10/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Whether he likes it or not, Johnny Depp is going to be a part of this year's Awards Season for his mesmerizing portrayal of Whitey Bulger in "Black Mass" (See my review right here).
The actor, previously nominated for "Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl," "Finding Neverland," and "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street," infamously told BBC Newsbeat that he "doesn't want to win one of those things ever." Well, guess what? He maybe nominated and perhaps win! Why? Because he's just been baptized by the Palm Springs International Film Festival with its Desert Palm Achievement Award. And that's a good sign as we traverse Awards Season.
This is in my hood and I'll give you reports from the red carpet! Here's the complete press release:
Palm Springs, CA (November 17, 2015) . The 27th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (Psiff) will present Johnny Depp with the Desert Palm Achievement Award,...
The actor, previously nominated for "Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl," "Finding Neverland," and "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street," infamously told BBC Newsbeat that he "doesn't want to win one of those things ever." Well, guess what? He maybe nominated and perhaps win! Why? Because he's just been baptized by the Palm Springs International Film Festival with its Desert Palm Achievement Award. And that's a good sign as we traverse Awards Season.
This is in my hood and I'll give you reports from the red carpet! Here's the complete press release:
Palm Springs, CA (November 17, 2015) . The 27th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (Psiff) will present Johnny Depp with the Desert Palm Achievement Award,...
- 11/17/2015
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
The 27th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (Psiff) will present Johnny Depp with the Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor at its annual Awards Gala for his performance in “Black Mass.” Each year the festival selects an actor and actress to receive this award. The Awards Gala, hosted by Mary Hart and presenting sponsor Entertainment Tonight, will be held Saturday, January 2, at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The Festival runs January 1-11. Above Amber Heard and husband, Johnny Depp, at 2015 Hollywood Film Awards – Nov 1 “Johnny Depp is one of the most versatile and dynamic actors of our time,” said Festival Chairman Harold Matzner. “In his latest film, Black Mass, Depp, in a stunning transformation, creates a gripping and multi-layered portrait of infamous gangster James ‘Whitey’ Bulger. He delivers an astounding performance that has earned raves from both critics and audiences and is sure to garner awards attention. It is our...
- 11/17/2015
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
One of the most fascinating things about "Black Mass" is how its shocking real-life story was first revealed in the book upon which the film is based. At a recent Q&A screening in New York City, one of its writers, Dick Lehr, said he stumbled upon the fact that Irish-American mobster Whitey Bulger (played by Johnny Depp) was a secret FBI informant while he worked as investigative reporter for the Boston Globe. (Listen to the full podcast audio below.) -Break- "In the late 1980s I was part of a team of reporters who went after a story that seemed fascinating – the tale of two brothers," he recalled. "There was Whitey the gangster and his younger brother Bill, who was arguably the most powerful politician in Massachusetts. One of the mysteries we were looking into was Whitey's Houdini-like ability to not even get a traffic ticket while being the crime...
- 10/8/2015
- Gold Derby
One of the most fascinating things about "Black Mass" is how its shocking real-life story was first revealed in the book upon which the film is based. At a recent Q&A screening in New York City, one of its writers, Dick Lehr, said he stumbled upon the fact that Irish-American mobster Whitey Bulger (played by Johnny Depp) was a secret FBI informant while he worked as investigative reporter for the Boston Globe. (Listen to the full podcast audio below.) -Break- "In the late 1980s I was part of a team of reporters who went after a story that seemed fascinating – the tale of two brothers," he recalled. "There was Whitey the gangster and his younger brother Bill, who was arguably the most powerful politician in Massachusetts. One of the mysteries we were looking into was Whitey's Houdini-like ability to not even get a traffic ticket while being the crime...
- 10/8/2015
- Gold Derby
'Maze Runner 2: The Scorch Trials' with Dylan O'Brien. 'Maze Runner 2' to beat Johnny Depp 'Black Mass' The 20th Century Fox release Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, the sequel to the 2014 hit The Maze Runner, and Warner Bros.' Johnny Depp star vehicle Black Mass will be battling it out at the North American box office this coming weekend, Sept. 18-20, the last (astronomical) summer weekend of 2015. According to Variety, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials will “likely” end up at the top of the U.S. and Canada box office chart. In fact, more than just “likely,” in case tracking is on target. Including Thursday evening shows, Maze Runner 2 is expected to collect somewhere around $35 million from 3,790 sites, while Black Mass should take in $22 million or so from 3,188 theaters. 'Maze Runner 2' vs. 'The Maze Runner' Maze Runner 2 will then open only about 10 percent ahead of the original,...
- 9/17/2015
- by Zac Gille
- Alt Film Guide
Next month sees the return of one of the UK’s most prolific film festival, The London Film Festival (Lff). Taking place between 7 and 18 October, the festival will show over 230 films in more than 16 venues over the capital.
Showcasing an array of high-profile films, this year’s Lff will screen some of the early contenders in next year’s award season, as well as critically acclaimed offers from around the world.
Here are the choice picks of this year’s festival:
High-Rise
This long-awaited film adaptation, based on a novel by J.G. Ballard, will be one of the films with a gala screening during Lff 2015. Directed by Kill List’s Ben Wheatley, the film sees Tom Hiddleston and Jeremy Irons star in this satirical take on modern living.
The Assassin
Awarded the Best Director prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-Hsein delves into the...
Showcasing an array of high-profile films, this year’s Lff will screen some of the early contenders in next year’s award season, as well as critically acclaimed offers from around the world.
Here are the choice picks of this year’s festival:
High-Rise
This long-awaited film adaptation, based on a novel by J.G. Ballard, will be one of the films with a gala screening during Lff 2015. Directed by Kill List’s Ben Wheatley, the film sees Tom Hiddleston and Jeremy Irons star in this satirical take on modern living.
The Assassin
Awarded the Best Director prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-Hsein delves into the...
- 9/9/2015
- by Katie Wong
- SoundOnSight
Fox & Disney
Summer blockbuster season is well and truly over, and as those post-summer blues set in, remember that the rumblings of Oscar season are already beginning, what with the Venice, Toronto, Telluride, London and New York Film Festivals unleashing many of the year’s most anticipated films over the next few months.
Though there are a ton of highly-anticipated movies that could go either way (Everest, The Martian, The Walk, Mockingjay Part 2, Pan, Crimson Peak, Creed, The Good Dinosaur, Snowden and many more), this list is focusing primarily on movies which are seemingly on a collision course with greatness, either due to some terrific marketing so far, an incredible cast and crew, or early reviews from the festival circuit.
From the year’s biggest blockbuster to small-scale dramas with 5% of their budget, these movies are going to be on everyone’s lips over the next few months, and they...
Summer blockbuster season is well and truly over, and as those post-summer blues set in, remember that the rumblings of Oscar season are already beginning, what with the Venice, Toronto, Telluride, London and New York Film Festivals unleashing many of the year’s most anticipated films over the next few months.
Though there are a ton of highly-anticipated movies that could go either way (Everest, The Martian, The Walk, Mockingjay Part 2, Pan, Crimson Peak, Creed, The Good Dinosaur, Snowden and many more), this list is focusing primarily on movies which are seemingly on a collision course with greatness, either due to some terrific marketing so far, an incredible cast and crew, or early reviews from the festival circuit.
From the year’s biggest blockbuster to small-scale dramas with 5% of their budget, these movies are going to be on everyone’s lips over the next few months, and they...
- 9/4/2015
- by Jack Pooley
- Obsessed with Film
Johnny Depp is America's Most Wanted crook in the gritty teaser for the crime drama Black Mass.
Depp underwent a physical transformation to play the balding crime boss Whitey Bulger, who ruled over the Boston Mob with an iron grip.
Black Mass is based on a book of the same name by Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill, which detailed the connections between Boston police and organised crime.
Whitey Bulger was at the centre of corruption as an FBI informant for more than 30 years, while taking out any opposition to his Winter Hill Gang.
Depp's co-stars include Benedict Cumberbatch as Whitey's politician brother Billy, Joel Edgerton as FBI agent John Connolly and Jesse Plemons as crook Kevin Weeks
Crazy Heart filmmaker Scott Cooper was behind the lens for Black Mass when it was shot in Boston last summer.
Black Mass opens on September 18 in the Us and November 13 in the UK.
Depp underwent a physical transformation to play the balding crime boss Whitey Bulger, who ruled over the Boston Mob with an iron grip.
Black Mass is based on a book of the same name by Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill, which detailed the connections between Boston police and organised crime.
Whitey Bulger was at the centre of corruption as an FBI informant for more than 30 years, while taking out any opposition to his Winter Hill Gang.
Depp's co-stars include Benedict Cumberbatch as Whitey's politician brother Billy, Joel Edgerton as FBI agent John Connolly and Jesse Plemons as crook Kevin Weeks
Crazy Heart filmmaker Scott Cooper was behind the lens for Black Mass when it was shot in Boston last summer.
Black Mass opens on September 18 in the Us and November 13 in the UK.
- 7/30/2015
- Digital Spy
"Black Mass" (directed by Scott Cooper) presents Johnny Depp in elaborate makeup as usual, as Boston criminal Whitey Bulger, from the 70s through the 90s. He is supposed to be scary in a "Goodfellas" Joe Pesci kind of way. Ahead of the film's September 18 debut from Warner Bros., "Black Mass" will screen on Friday, September 4, in the Sala Grande venue in the Lido's Palazzo del Cinema. Warner Bros. showed the film in rough early form to Cannes, but it wasn't finished in time. At CinemaCon, it looked like Depp is going overboard with the makeup as usual, aging as he goes and wearing strange contact lenses as the Irish mobster James “Whitey” Bulger. Read More: Fall Festival Contenders: What's Coming Up, from Cheadle to Spielberg, and What's Not The screenplay by Mark Mallouk and Jez Butterworth, based on the book by Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill, centers on the...
- 7/24/2015
- by Anne Thompson and Ryan Lattanzio
- Thompson on Hollywood
Johnny Depp crime-drama biopic will play out of competition at the 72nd Biennale.
Scott Cooper’s Black Mass, which tells the true story of notorious Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger, will receive its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival (September 2-12) on September 4 in the Sala Grande at the Palazzo del Cinema at Venice Lido.
Johnny Depp stars as Bulger alongside Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game), Joel Edgerton (Warrior), Dakota Johnson (Fifty Shades Of Grey), Peter Sarsgaard (Jarhead), Rory Cochrane (Argo), Jesse Plemons (Paul) and Kevin Bacon (Apollo 13).
Edgerton plays an FBI agent who forms an alliance with Bulger in an attempt to take down their mutual rival the Italian mob.
Producers are John Lesher, Brian Oliver, Scott Cooper, Patrick McCormick, and Tyler Thompson, with Brett Ratner, James Packer, Peter Mallouk, Ray Mallouk, Christopher Woodrow, Brett Granstaff, Gary Granstaff, Phil Hunt and Compton Ross serving as executive producers.
Warner Bros. Pictures...
Scott Cooper’s Black Mass, which tells the true story of notorious Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger, will receive its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival (September 2-12) on September 4 in the Sala Grande at the Palazzo del Cinema at Venice Lido.
Johnny Depp stars as Bulger alongside Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game), Joel Edgerton (Warrior), Dakota Johnson (Fifty Shades Of Grey), Peter Sarsgaard (Jarhead), Rory Cochrane (Argo), Jesse Plemons (Paul) and Kevin Bacon (Apollo 13).
Edgerton plays an FBI agent who forms an alliance with Bulger in an attempt to take down their mutual rival the Italian mob.
Producers are John Lesher, Brian Oliver, Scott Cooper, Patrick McCormick, and Tyler Thompson, with Brett Ratner, James Packer, Peter Mallouk, Ray Mallouk, Christopher Woodrow, Brett Granstaff, Gary Granstaff, Phil Hunt and Compton Ross serving as executive producers.
Warner Bros. Pictures...
- 7/24/2015
- ScreenDaily
Johnny Depp is known for characters such as Jack Sparrow, Mad Hatter, Sweeney Todd and the like, but he has transformed himself completely for Black Mass.
A new trailer has been released showing Depp as notorious Boston gangster Whitey Bulger.
The film follows the true story of Bulger, the brother of a state senator and the most infamous criminal in the history of South Boston. While heading up one of Boston's most feared gangs, he also acted as an FBI informant.
The film is based on the 2001 book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob written by Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill.
Penned by Mark Mallouk and Jez Butterworth, the adaptation stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Joel Edgerton, Kevin Bacon, Juno Temple and Dakota Johnson.
Depp has signed on to reprise his roles as the Mad Hatter in Alice Through the Looking...
A new trailer has been released showing Depp as notorious Boston gangster Whitey Bulger.
The film follows the true story of Bulger, the brother of a state senator and the most infamous criminal in the history of South Boston. While heading up one of Boston's most feared gangs, he also acted as an FBI informant.
The film is based on the 2001 book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob written by Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill.
Penned by Mark Mallouk and Jez Butterworth, the adaptation stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Joel Edgerton, Kevin Bacon, Juno Temple and Dakota Johnson.
Depp has signed on to reprise his roles as the Mad Hatter in Alice Through the Looking...
- 5/23/2015
- Digital Spy
Opening in theaters September 18th, watch Johnny Depp in the brand new trailer for Black Mass.
The drama also stars Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons, Kevin Bacon, Rory Cochrane, David Harbour, Dakota Johnson, Julianne Nicholson, James Russo, Adam Scott, Corey Stoll, Juno Temple, W. Earl Brown, Bill Camp, Brad Carter, and Jeremy Strong.
In 1970s South Boston, FBI Agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton) persuades Irish mobster James “Whitey” Bulger (Johnny Depp) to collaborate with the FBI and eliminate a common enemy: the Italian mob. The drama tells the true story of this unholy alliance, which spiraled out of control, allowing Whitey to evade law enforcement, consolidate power, and become one of the most ruthless and powerful gangsters in Boston history.
Brian Oliver, Tyler Thompson, John Lesher, Patrick McCormick and Scott Cooper are producing the film, with Peter Mallouk, Lauren Selig, Brett Granstaff and Gary Granstaff serving as executive producers.
The drama also stars Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons, Kevin Bacon, Rory Cochrane, David Harbour, Dakota Johnson, Julianne Nicholson, James Russo, Adam Scott, Corey Stoll, Juno Temple, W. Earl Brown, Bill Camp, Brad Carter, and Jeremy Strong.
In 1970s South Boston, FBI Agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton) persuades Irish mobster James “Whitey” Bulger (Johnny Depp) to collaborate with the FBI and eliminate a common enemy: the Italian mob. The drama tells the true story of this unholy alliance, which spiraled out of control, allowing Whitey to evade law enforcement, consolidate power, and become one of the most ruthless and powerful gangsters in Boston history.
Brian Oliver, Tyler Thompson, John Lesher, Patrick McCormick and Scott Cooper are producing the film, with Peter Mallouk, Lauren Selig, Brett Granstaff and Gary Granstaff serving as executive producers.
- 5/23/2015
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Benedict Cumberbatch is the latest star to be in Vogue.The actor talks about Everything going on in his meteoric rise in the acting world, and the newly engaged star also talks about the coming film “Black Mass” where Johnny Depp will roll out his “Blow” Boston accent again for his character, Beantown’s most wanted felon, Whitey Bulger, filmed in a part of Boston that quite frankly is getting a little tired of being typecast by Hollywood outsiders.“Black Mass” is based on a non-fiction book by two former Boston Globe reporters, Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill, about th ecomplex relationship between […]...
- 11/21/2014
- by April Neale
- Monsters and Critics
Sneak Peek new set images from Lynn, Massachusetts, of an unrecognizable Johnny Depp 'uglied'- up to play killer 'Whitey Bulger' in the new crime thriller "Black Mass", based on the 2001 novel "Black Mass: The True Story Of An Unholy Alliance Between The FBI And The Irish Mob", by authors Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill:
"...written and directed by Scott Cooper, the new film also stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Joel Edgerton, Sienna Miller and Dakota Johnson...
"...in an account of the scandal surrounding Boston underworld figure 'James Whitey Bulger and his corrupt ties to FBI agents..."
Warners will release "Black Mass" September 18, 2015.
Click the images to enlarge...
"...written and directed by Scott Cooper, the new film also stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Joel Edgerton, Sienna Miller and Dakota Johnson...
"...in an account of the scandal surrounding Boston underworld figure 'James Whitey Bulger and his corrupt ties to FBI agents..."
Warners will release "Black Mass" September 18, 2015.
Click the images to enlarge...
- 7/23/2014
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
The life of the Johnny Depp drama Black Mass has been a complex one, from point of contention to, now, potential Oscar nominee. Warner Bros. has placed their Black Mass flag in the fourth quarter of 2015, and with it hopes not only for box office success but maybe even Oscar gold. Black Mass has locked down a September 18th, 2015 release date, according to The Hollywood Reporter . The movie is based on the non-fiction tome Black Mass: Whitey Bulger, The FBI And A Devil's Deal by Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill. Oddly enough, the bigger surprise is that the film is no longer called Black Mass, and is in search of a new title. Which makes sense: Black Mass is a term used for something of a reverse Christian mass, used to celebrate the occult. People who know this would think the movie were about the supernatural. People who didn't...
- 7/3/2014
- cinemablend.com
Johnny Depp's Whitey Bulger movie has been given a release date by Warner Bros.
The Scott Cooper-directed crime drama is due to hit cinemas on September 18, 2015.
Depp plays infamous mobster Whitey in the adaptation of Dick Lehr's book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob, which focuses on the Irish mafia's relationship with the FBI in Boston.
Benedict Cumberbatch recently joined the cast as Whitey Bulger's brother Billy Bulger, along with Parks and Recreation's Adam Scott, who is reported to play FBI agent Robert Fitzpatrick.
Joel Edgerton, Dakota Johnson and Juno Temple have also boarded the movie, while Breaking Bad's Jesse Plemons has reportedly been in negotiations too.
Last month, Depp was seen wearing a bald wig cap and fake teeth as he shot scenes involving a dead body by a river in Massachusetts.
The Scott Cooper-directed crime drama is due to hit cinemas on September 18, 2015.
Depp plays infamous mobster Whitey in the adaptation of Dick Lehr's book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob, which focuses on the Irish mafia's relationship with the FBI in Boston.
Benedict Cumberbatch recently joined the cast as Whitey Bulger's brother Billy Bulger, along with Parks and Recreation's Adam Scott, who is reported to play FBI agent Robert Fitzpatrick.
Joel Edgerton, Dakota Johnson and Juno Temple have also boarded the movie, while Breaking Bad's Jesse Plemons has reportedly been in negotiations too.
Last month, Depp was seen wearing a bald wig cap and fake teeth as he shot scenes involving a dead body by a river in Massachusetts.
- 7/1/2014
- Digital Spy
Johnny Depp was almost unrecognisable as he transformed into his latest role of gangster Whitey Bulger on the set of Black Mass in Boston this week.
The 50-year-old actor, who is reportedly in talks to play illusionist Harry Houdini in an upcoming movie, was wearing a balding wig cap and fake teeth as he shot scenes involving a dead body by a river in Massachusetts.
He also donned a pair of oversized sunglasses, a leather jacket and a pair of blue jeans, and was spotted laughing and joking with crew members in between takes.
Depp plays infamous mobster Whitey in the drama directed by Scott Cooper and adapted from Dick Lehr's book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob. It centres on the Irish mafia's relationship with the FBI in Boston.
Benedict Cumberbatch recently joined the cast as Whitey Bulger's brother Billy Bulger,...
The 50-year-old actor, who is reportedly in talks to play illusionist Harry Houdini in an upcoming movie, was wearing a balding wig cap and fake teeth as he shot scenes involving a dead body by a river in Massachusetts.
He also donned a pair of oversized sunglasses, a leather jacket and a pair of blue jeans, and was spotted laughing and joking with crew members in between takes.
Depp plays infamous mobster Whitey in the drama directed by Scott Cooper and adapted from Dick Lehr's book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob. It centres on the Irish mafia's relationship with the FBI in Boston.
Benedict Cumberbatch recently joined the cast as Whitey Bulger's brother Billy Bulger,...
- 5/28/2014
- Digital Spy
(L-r) Johnny Depp as Whitey Bulger and director Scott Cooper on the set of the as-yet-untitled Whitey Bulger film, which has begun filming on location in Boston. Photo credit: Claire Folger
Principal photography is underway on the as-yet-untitled drama based on the book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob, about the infamous gangster Whitey Bulger.
The film stars Oscar nominee Johnny Depp (“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” “Finding Neverland,” the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films) as Whitey Bulger and Joel Edgerton (“The Great Gatsby,” “Zero Dark Thirty”) as FBI Agent John Connolly.
Filming began in Boston under the direction of Scott Cooper (“Out of the Furnace,” “Crazy Heart”).
The film also stars Benedict Cumberbatch (“Twelve Years a Slave”) as Whitey’s brother, Billy Bulger, who is a Massachusetts State Senator; Jesse Plemons (AMC’s “Breaking Bad...
Principal photography is underway on the as-yet-untitled drama based on the book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob, about the infamous gangster Whitey Bulger.
The film stars Oscar nominee Johnny Depp (“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” “Finding Neverland,” the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films) as Whitey Bulger and Joel Edgerton (“The Great Gatsby,” “Zero Dark Thirty”) as FBI Agent John Connolly.
Filming began in Boston under the direction of Scott Cooper (“Out of the Furnace,” “Crazy Heart”).
The film also stars Benedict Cumberbatch (“Twelve Years a Slave”) as Whitey’s brother, Billy Bulger, who is a Massachusetts State Senator; Jesse Plemons (AMC’s “Breaking Bad...
- 5/22/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Johnny Depp as Whitey Bulger and director Scott Cooper on the set of the as-yet-untitled Whitey Bulger film.
Principal photography is underway on the as-yet-untitled drama based on the book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob, about the infamous gangster Whitey Bulger. The film stars Oscar® nominee Johnny Depp (“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” “Finding Neverland,” the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films) as Whitey Bulger and Joel Edgerton (“The Great Gatsby,” “Zero Dark Thirty”) as FBI Agent John Connolly. Filming began in Boston under the direction of Scott Cooper (“Out of the Furnace,” “Crazy Heart”).
The film also stars Benedict Cumberbatch (“Twelve Years a Slave”) as Whitey’s brother, Billy Bulger, who is a Massachusetts State Senator; Jesse Plemons (AMC’s “Breaking Bad”) as Whitey’s longtime partner in crime, Kevin Weeks; Sienna Miller (HBO’s...
Principal photography is underway on the as-yet-untitled drama based on the book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob, about the infamous gangster Whitey Bulger. The film stars Oscar® nominee Johnny Depp (“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” “Finding Neverland,” the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films) as Whitey Bulger and Joel Edgerton (“The Great Gatsby,” “Zero Dark Thirty”) as FBI Agent John Connolly. Filming began in Boston under the direction of Scott Cooper (“Out of the Furnace,” “Crazy Heart”).
The film also stars Benedict Cumberbatch (“Twelve Years a Slave”) as Whitey’s brother, Billy Bulger, who is a Massachusetts State Senator; Jesse Plemons (AMC’s “Breaking Bad”) as Whitey’s longtime partner in crime, Kevin Weeks; Sienna Miller (HBO’s...
- 5/22/2014
- by Kellvin Chavez
- LRMonline.com
Benedict Cumberbatch has been brought on to replace Guy Pearce in the untitled Whitey Bulger biopic, TheWrap has learned. Johnny Depp stars as crime boss Whitey Bulger in the movie that tells the story of his time as an FBI informant, his later flight from justice, and eventual capture. Based on the book, “Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob,” written by Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill, the film is directed by Scott Cooper from a screenplay by Mark Mallouk and Cooper. Also read: Benedict Cumberbatch to Play Hamlet on...
- 5/22/2014
- by Jason Hughes
- The Wrap
With Johnny Depp as the star at the centre of true-crime Boston mob drama Black Mass, his gravitational pull has been attracting other actors. Director Scott Cooper now has Juno Temple and Jesse Plemons in talks for the film.Cooper has reworked Mark Mallouk’s script for the film, itself loosely based on Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neil’s book Black Mass: The True Story Of An Unholy Alliance Between The FBI And The Irish Mob. Depp will play infamous Boston crime figure Whitey Bulger, who masterminded a violent gang in Boston while also reportedly turning federal informant to take down rivals. It seemed to be working out well – particularly with corrupt FBI agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton) helping to smooth things – but when the Bureau began making arrests, agents double-crossed Bulger and prosecuted him. Bulger fled in 1994 and was captured in 2011 in California. Guy Pearce is set as Senator William ”Billy” Bulger,...
- 4/2/2014
- EmpireOnline
Fifty Shades of Grey star Dakota Johnson is in talks to play Johnny Depp’s love interest in the upcoming White Bulger biopic, Black Mass. Directed by Scott Cooper, the project is on the fast track over at Warner Bros., with Joel Edgerton co-starring as FBI agent John Connolly and Guy Pearce set for the role of Bill Bulger, Whitey’s brother.
Based on Dick Lehr and Gerald O’Neill’s novel of the same name, Black Mass will follow Bulger as he goes from Boston mobster to FBI informant and then uses his “newfound status to begin eliminating the competition by ratting them out to the FBI.”
As mentioned above, Johnson will play Lindsey, one of Bulger’s love interests and the mother of his son, Douglas. Currently, the actress isn’t terribly well known, but that will likely change next February when Fifty Shades of Grey hits theatres.
Based on Dick Lehr and Gerald O’Neill’s novel of the same name, Black Mass will follow Bulger as he goes from Boston mobster to FBI informant and then uses his “newfound status to begin eliminating the competition by ratting them out to the FBI.”
As mentioned above, Johnson will play Lindsey, one of Bulger’s love interests and the mother of his son, Douglas. Currently, the actress isn’t terribly well known, but that will likely change next February when Fifty Shades of Grey hits theatres.
- 3/23/2014
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
The story of James Joseph “Whitey” Bulger Jr is one of legendary drama, violence, politics, and familial tensions, and Hollywood studios have wanted to put it on film for a number of years. Those plans are now solidifying for Warner Bros., with the casting of Guy Pearce as brother to Johnny Depp’s mob boss, Whitey Bulger, in the forthcoming Black Mass.
The film will be based upon the book ‘Black Mass: Whitey Bulger, The FBI And A Devil’s Deal’ written by Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill, and published in 2012 – a year after Bulger’s long overdue incarceration. The source material details the relationship between Whitey Bulger and John Connolly – childhood friends who would eventually find themselves on opposite sides of the law as Bulger rose to the top of crime organizations, and John Connolly rose to the top of the Boston FBI Field Office. What transpired...
The film will be based upon the book ‘Black Mass: Whitey Bulger, The FBI And A Devil’s Deal’ written by Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill, and published in 2012 – a year after Bulger’s long overdue incarceration. The source material details the relationship between Whitey Bulger and John Connolly – childhood friends who would eventually find themselves on opposite sides of the law as Bulger rose to the top of crime organizations, and John Connolly rose to the top of the Boston FBI Field Office. What transpired...
- 3/14/2014
- by Sarah Myles
- We Got This Covered
The production surrounding Scott Cooper’s Black Mass has been a bit of a doozy. The movie has been in the works for a while now, first with Barry Levinson at the helm before it hit a few roadblocks. Production shut down completely last May over a salary dispute with Johnny Depp, then started up again earlier this month with Depp firmly back in place as the lead. However, Levinson got left behind and was replaced with Cooper, who then brought on Tom Hardy for a supporting role. Now, we have word that the film finally has a release date, but has lost Hardy and replaced him with Joel Edgerton (who was cast in Hardy’s part originally). Phew! Still with us?
Black Mass is based on the novel Black Mass: The True Story Of An Untold Alliance Between The FBI And The Irish Mob by Dick Lehr and Gerald O’Neill.
Black Mass is based on the novel Black Mass: The True Story Of An Untold Alliance Between The FBI And The Irish Mob by Dick Lehr and Gerald O’Neill.
- 3/1/2014
- by James Garcia
- We Got This Covered
First he was on board. Then there was a deal disagreement and for a while there, it appeared that Johnny Depp wouldn’t end up playing notorious Boston gangster Whitey Bulger. Now, thanks to some fresh overtures and the presence of Crazy Heart’s Scott Cooper in the director’s chair, Depp has signed on to star as Bulger in Black Mass, with the producers talking to Tom Hardy about playing corrupt FBI agent and long-time Bulger friend John Connolly.This one was first floated back in early 2013, with Barry Levinson directing and Depp in discussions to play Bulger from a script by Mark Mallouk. That in turn was adapted from Dick Lehr and Gerald O’Neill’s book, subtitled The True Story Of An Unholy Alliance Between The FBI and The Irish Mob. The film will track Bulger’s life, masterminding a violent gang in Boston while also reportedly...
- 2/9/2014
- EmpireOnline
Johnny Depp is confirmed to star in the Whitey Bulger mob film Black Mass. He was attached to the project last year, but was reported to have dropped out of the project. He got interested again when Scott Cooper came on board to direct it, and now it's official. Depp will play Bulger in the movie, and Tom Hardy is in early talks to play his FBI handler, John Connolly.
The story revolves around the ruthless Boston kingpin who inspired movie characters such as the one Jack Nicholson played in The Departed and the one Pete Postlethwaite played in The Town. The movie is based on the 2001 Dick Lehr/Gerald O’Neill New York Times bestseller Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob.
Bulger was also an FBI informant so he could help discreetly take down a rival gang. In the end,...
The story revolves around the ruthless Boston kingpin who inspired movie characters such as the one Jack Nicholson played in The Departed and the one Pete Postlethwaite played in The Town. The movie is based on the 2001 Dick Lehr/Gerald O’Neill New York Times bestseller Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob.
Bulger was also an FBI informant so he could help discreetly take down a rival gang. In the end,...
- 2/8/2014
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Johnny Depp is confirmed to be returning while Tom Hardy is in early talks to join the Whitey Bulger biopic "Black Mass".
Depp previously signed on and then quit the project last year which seemed to stall until Scott Cooper entered talks to direct last month.
Depp would play the notorious Boston gangster has also served as the inspiration for a number of fictional Boston crime bosses. If he joins, Hardy would play his FBI handler John Connolly who was also a childhood friend of Bulger.
In the 1970s, the pair joined forces with Bulger turning in his rivals to consolidate his power while Connolly scored the professional benefits of being the man who helped dismantle the mob.
Eventually, Connolly was convicted of racketeering, obstruction of justice, and second-degree murder. Bulger was finally captured in 2011.
Mark Mallouk penned the script based on Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill's 2001 book. Cooper...
Depp previously signed on and then quit the project last year which seemed to stall until Scott Cooper entered talks to direct last month.
Depp would play the notorious Boston gangster has also served as the inspiration for a number of fictional Boston crime bosses. If he joins, Hardy would play his FBI handler John Connolly who was also a childhood friend of Bulger.
In the 1970s, the pair joined forces with Bulger turning in his rivals to consolidate his power while Connolly scored the professional benefits of being the man who helped dismantle the mob.
Eventually, Connolly was convicted of racketeering, obstruction of justice, and second-degree murder. Bulger was finally captured in 2011.
Mark Mallouk penned the script based on Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill's 2001 book. Cooper...
- 2/8/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
An adaptation of the Dick Lehr and Gerald O’Neill book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob has been in the works for some time now, always intending to have Johnny Depp play the centerpiece role of mob boss Whitey Bulger (the character that Jack Nicholson played in The Departed was loosely based on Bulger, just so you know). Barry Levinson was initially going to be in the director’s chair, with Depp having Joel Edgerton as his main co-star. That never came to pass though, with some reports indicating that Depp wanted more money than was being offered. He officially dropped out at one point, but now that the film has a new director in Scott Cooper, it seems that Depp is back in for this. At this moment at least, Black Mass is a go. This time around,...
- 2/7/2014
- by Joey Magidson
- Hollywoodnews.com
Not that long ago, the Whitey Bulger biopic Black Mass was all set to star Johnny Depp and Joel Edgerton, with Barry Levinson at the helm; then the film shut down, and the whole thing seemed dead in the water for a good long while. Proving that you can’t keep a good film buried for too long, Black Mass has returned in force, with Depp officially in place to star and a replacement director in the form of Scott Cooper (Out of the Furnace).
Black Mass is based on the book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob, by Dick Lehr and Gerald O’Neill, with a script by Mark Mallouk. Depp is now confirmed for his starring role and Tom Hardy is reportedly in early talks to play opposite. Depp will be Whitey Bulger, the Boston mobster who...
Black Mass is based on the book Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob, by Dick Lehr and Gerald O’Neill, with a script by Mark Mallouk. Depp is now confirmed for his starring role and Tom Hardy is reportedly in early talks to play opposite. Depp will be Whitey Bulger, the Boston mobster who...
- 2/7/2014
- by Lauren Humphries-Brooks
- We Got This Covered
Looks like I was one year too early when I added Black Mass to my list of Most Anticipated Movies of 2014. At the time I posted that the project was to be directed by Barry Levinson with Joel Edgerton and Johnny Depp on again and off again. Well, the project recently landed in the hands of Scott Cooper (Out of the Furnace, Crazy Heart) and at the time Depp was said to be back, starring as James "Whitey" Bulger in the film based on the Dick Lehr and Gerard O'Neill book, "Black Mass: Whitey Bulger, the FBI, and a Devil's Deal". Depp is now confirmed to star as Bulger with Tom Hardy reportedly circling the role of Bulger's childhood friend John Connolly. The story would follow the lives of the two men as Connolly becomes a major figure in the FBI's Boston office and Whitey becomes godfather of the Irish Mob.
- 2/7/2014
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
At one time set to be directed by Barry Levinson with Johnny Depp and Joel Edgerton starring, the Whitey Bulger drama "Black Mass" was shut down and seemed like one of those projects that may be forever troubled. Well, scratch that. Last month, it burbled back to life with Depp circled and "Out Of The Furnace" director Scott Cooper attached to helm, and just a couple of weeks later, the project is moving full steam ahead. Deadline reports that not only is Depp now confirmed for "Black Mass," but Tom Hardy is in early talks to co-star. Yes, please. Based on the bestselling book by Dick Lehr and Gerald O’Neill, "Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob," and penned by Mark Mallouk, the film will tell the story of one of the FBI’s Most Wanted men and the...
- 2/7/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Exclusive: Johnny Depp has made his deal to star in Black Mass, the drama Scott Cooper will direct about the Boston crime kingpin-turned-fugitive Whitey Bulger, for Cross Creek Pictures and Exclusive Media. Now, they are in early talks with Tom Hardy to play John Connolly, the FBI agent and childhood pal of Bulger, who is in prison for tipping Bulger that he was about to be indicted. That led Bulger to go from ruthless Boston crime kingpin to the top of the FBI’s most wanted list. Domestic distribution hasn’t yet been decided and there are some territories that Exclusive is selling at Berlin, a task made easier by these casting developments. Production will begin in May. Depp was originally expected to play Bulger when Barry Levinson was attached to direct, but the deal fell through over money even though the deal was near $20 million. Deadline revealed last month...
- 2/7/2014
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
There have been two film projects about mobster-turned-informant Whitey Bulger in development in recent years, and neither has had an easy journey. The version in the Ben Affleck / Matt Damon camp seems to have permanently stalled, but the signs are improving for its rival Black Mass. Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart) is now negotiating to rewrite and direct the film, and there is speculation that Johnny Depp may once again be circling the lead role.Black Mass is adapted from Dick Lehr and Gerald O’Neill’s book, subtitled The True Story Of An Unholy Alliance Between The FBI and The Irish Mob. Mark Mallouk originally wrote the screenplay, tracking Bulger’s life masterminding a violent gang in Boston while also turning federal snitch to take down rivals. Bulger went on the run in 1994 when the FBI began making arrests and agents double-crossed and prosecuted him. After years on the Most...
- 1/15/2014
- EmpireOnline
After making his sophomore feature last year with the acclaimed Out of the Furnace, it looks like Scott Cooper has settled on his follow-up, with news surfacing that the writer-director is in talks to board Black Mass, the drama about the notorious Boston crime kingpin-turned-fugitive, Whitey Bulger.
Deadline reports that Cooper is negotiating to both direct and rewrite the script, which was first penned by Mark Mallouk, a co-executive producer on Ron Howard’s Rush.
And not only is the film coming close to finding its director, but the report also notes that talks are igniting once more with Johnny Depp to take the lead, after he exited the project last year, reportedly over salary, when Barry Levinson was then at the helm.
The title for the project is taken from Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill’s 2001 best-selling book, Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance...
Deadline reports that Cooper is negotiating to both direct and rewrite the script, which was first penned by Mark Mallouk, a co-executive producer on Ron Howard’s Rush.
And not only is the film coming close to finding its director, but the report also notes that talks are igniting once more with Johnny Depp to take the lead, after he exited the project last year, reportedly over salary, when Barry Levinson was then at the helm.
The title for the project is taken from Dick Lehr and Gerard O’Neill’s 2001 best-selling book, Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance...
- 1/14/2014
- by Kenji Lloyd
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
After being rumored for Doctor Strange earlier today, we’re now hearing that Johnny Depp, coming off the box office bomb that was The Lone Ranger, is looking to head back into talks for the Whitey Bulger biopic, Black Mass. Furthermore, Out of the Furnace director Scott Cooper is on board to helm and re-write the screenplay, according to Deadline.
If you recall, Depp was attached to this project last year but when he was asked to take a pay cut, he departed. Now, however, the actor is looking to re-join the Mark Mallouk-penned film, which is based on Dick Lehr and Gerald O’Neill’s bestselling novel Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob.
Of course, the story would focus on Bulger, the infamous gangster who found himself on the FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted list for many years.
If you recall, Depp was attached to this project last year but when he was asked to take a pay cut, he departed. Now, however, the actor is looking to re-join the Mark Mallouk-penned film, which is based on Dick Lehr and Gerald O’Neill’s bestselling novel Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob.
Of course, the story would focus on Bulger, the infamous gangster who found himself on the FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted list for many years.
- 1/14/2014
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
Barry Levinson, the man behind Good Morning, Vietnam, Rain Man, Bugsy and more, last directed the dull found footage thriller The Bay. The film had its supporters, but trust me, it wasn't any good. Since then he's been attached to the Whitey Bulger biopic Black Mass, which I featured on my list of most anticipated films of 2014 and again this morning in my list of book adaptations heading to the screen this year. Well, scratch any hope of it hitting theaters this year and it appears scratch any hope of Levinson directing. Levinson's film was expected to feature Joel Edgerton while Johnny Depp as original slated to star, but then bounced, allegedly over money. Rumors of Depp bouncing on the project and off again persisted, but it seems the camel's back has broken. A new report from Deadline suggests Levinson is off the project, Depp may actually be back on and Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart,...
- 1/14/2014
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
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