Black Mass

While Johnny Depp physically transformed to play Bulger, complete with colored contacts and thinning hair, the film takes dramatic liberties for pacing. It is heavily based on the 2001 book "Black Mass: The True Story of an Unholy Alliance Between the FBI and the Irish Mob." Former associates have noted that while the general events are true, some timelines and interactions were condensed for Hollywood.

Joel Edgerton plays the disgraced FBI agent John Connolly, who grew up with Bulger in South Boston. Connolly's corrupt relationship with Bulger allowed the Irish mobster to operate his criminal empire unchecked for decades. Edgerton's performance highlights Connolly's moral decay as he becomes increasingly compromised.

Whitey Bulger was captured in Santa Monica in 2011 and was in prison when the movie was released in 2015, so he never publicly endorsed the film. He strongly despised the book the movie was based on and denied many of the murder allegations against him. The film portrays him as a ruthless, calculating killer who manipulated the FBI.

Despite being set in Boston, Massachusetts, the 2015 film was largely shot in the surrounding areas of Boston to recreate the 1970s and 1980s atmosphere. Director Scott Cooper wanted to capture the authentic feel of South Boston. The crew filmed at several real-life locations tied to the historical events of the Irish mob.