Johnny Depp -- Victory Lap in Venice (PHOTO)

Johnny Depp made a splash in Venice, Italy as he arrived for the famous film festival ... to unveil a film that could be his best work ever.

Johnny's film, "Black Mass," is by all accounts incredible, and his performance may top everyone's this year. He plays Boston mafioso Whitey Bulger, who was indicted for 19 murders. Bulger, who disappeared for 16 years, was arrested in 2011 in Santa Monica.

Bulger was reputed to be an FBI informant at one time.

The makings of a great role.