James J “Whitey” Bulger is a pathological killer who was king of the Boston mob for about 30 years. He was captured a few years ago after disappearing for 16 years, just before being indicted for many crimes. Allegedly tipped off by someone in the FBI he eluded capture. This documentary centers on his recent trial, witnesses, victims, archival material and interviews with both Whitey’s defense attorneys and the prosecution. In many ways it is a historical documentary about a part of Boston’s History, many people might like to forget.
Much of Bulger’s murderous history is already public knowledge through other sources over the years since he topped the FBI’s most wanted list next to Osama Bin Laden. There have been books, documentaries and a fiction film, The Departed, set in Boston, where the main character was based on Bulger.
The documentary Whitey: United States of America v. James J. Bulger, directed by Joe Berlinger, brings together information that not only looks at the guilt or innocence of Bulger, but also the claim that he was an informant for the FBI. A claim that Bulger denies, but that has been considered common knowledge since his disappearance. The story includes information about Bulger’s rise to power in the Irish Mob and the Winter Hill Gang.
The documentary is interesting historically and brings up a number of questions about the FBI at that time and it’s collaboration with the Irish mob in Boston as the FBI went after Cosa Nostra.
Whitey: United States of America v. James J Bulger is a well paced compilation of interviews, archival material including photographs, film and video. There are interviews with witnesses, victim’s family members, and ex cohorts of Whitey who became state witnesses to get shorter sentences for their involvement.
The editing of the film is good but at times the film does seem to lag, and it’s difficult to keep things going with so many interviews and talking heads. The same shots of the courthouse and other Boston views are used repeatedly as inserts or “B” roll. There are no on camera interviews with Whitey Bulger but he is heard talking on the phone with his attorney.
To its credit the documentary explores a number of issues surrounding Bulger’s ability to avoid arrest while being an obvious criminal and murderer living in Boston for thirty years. It does so from more than one point-of-view. It explores the roles of a number of FBI and Justice Department people who may have a connection with Whitey Bulger.
Whitey: United States of America v. James J. Bulger premiered at Sundance and is playing in theaters. It may also be seen on Amazon Prime. See Link at the end of this post.
Review by J R Martin – Author Create Documentary Films, Videos and Multimedia
Trailer
LINKS
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