Black Mass

Black Mass

Year: 2015

Runtime: 122 min

Language: English

Director: Scott Cooper

ActionBiographyDramaCrime

In 1970s South Boston, a treacherous pact is forged between FBI Agent John Connolly and notorious Irish mobster James "Whitey" Bulger. As they take down their common enemy, the Italian mob, Bulger's power grows unchecked, leading to a reign of terror that would make him one of Boston's most feared gangsters.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Black Mass (2015)
Trace every key event in Black Mass (2015) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Interrogation Begins

The film opens with Agent Eric Olsen interrogating Kevin Weeks about his connections to the notorious Winter Hill Gang. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the unfolding narrative that dives deep into the underbelly of organized crime in Boston.

2

Flashback to 1975

The narrative flashes back to 1975, where Kevin works as a bouncer outside a bar frequented by the infamous Whitey Bulger. This introduces us to the violent world that Kevin is entangled in, highlighting Whitey's ruthless nature through a tense confrontation.

Boston, 1975
3

Whitey's Brutality

In a striking display of violence, Whitey coerces Kevin into driving him and a member of the Angiulo crime family to a secluded beach. Once there, they brutally assault a man, emphasizing Whitey's merciless hold over his associates and the fear he inspires.

Secluded Beach
4

Family Dynamics

The film reveals Whitey's complicated family life, showcasing a tender moment as he visits his elderly mother. During their card game of Gin Rummy, we see a different side of Whitey, juxtaposing his brutal criminal persona.

5

John Connolly's Return

Former FBI Agent John Connolly returns to Boston, seeking to leverage his connections with Whitey. He proposes that Whitey becomes an informant against rival gangs, setting in motion a perilous alliance that could change the power dynamics in organized crime.

Boston
6

Alliance with the FBI

After a moment of hesitation, Whitey agrees to work with Connolly as an informant. This dangerous partnership not only aims to eliminate the Angiulos but also allows Whitey to solidify his own power in the criminal underworld.

7

Angiulo Gang Murder

Tensions escalate as the Angiulo gang murders a member of the Winter Hill Gang. This brutal act propels Whitey into a deeper commitment to his role as an informant, further complicating his already twisted moral compass.

8

Confrontation with Tommy King

Whitey confronts Tommy King following a police incident, warning him to temper his volatile behavior. This scene underlines the fragile relationships between gang members and the intense pressures they face from police scrutiny.

9

Family Life with Lindsey

At home, Whitey attempts to balance his violent life and his role as a father. He shares a dinner where he expresses misplaced pride in his son Douglas, inadvertently teaching him lessons about conflict and aggression.

10

Warning Ignored

Despite Connolly's urgings to stay low-key during his time as an informant, Whitey chooses to execute Tommy, revealing his blatant disregard for any boundaries. This chilling act foreshadows deeper repercussions for all involved.

11

Power Shift by 1981

By 1981, Whitey has fully taken control of the Winter Hill Gang, and his influence grows. As he supplies valuable intel to Connolly, questions of morality arise as he eliminates anyone who poses a threat to his dominion.

1981
12

Orchestrating Murders

The plot thickens as Whitey orchestrates multiple murders to solidify his position. His calculated approach transforms him from informant to a powerful figure manipulating crime from the shadows.

13

Law Enforcement Pressure

As law enforcement intensifies its scrutiny on Whitey and the gang's operations, the bonds between Connolly and Whitey deepen. However, this alliance is riddled with deception, leading to significant consequences for both.

14

Final Confrontation

The climax unfolds as law enforcement finally close in on the gang members, with Connolly becoming ensnared in the very web of deceit he helped weave. The repercussions of their actions echo throughout the narrative.

15

Whitey's Arrest in 2011

In a sobering conclusion, the film reveals Whitey Bulger's arrest in 2011 after 16 years on the run. The final scenes serve as a haunting reminder of his notorious past and the justice finally served for his heinous crimes.

2011

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 20:33

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