Film Review #10

This week I decided to check out the biographical drama J. Edgar. The film was directed by Clint Eastwood. It stars one of my favorite on-screen actors- Leonardo DiCaprio. His supporting cast is absolutely outstanding. Mr. DiCaprio shares time with Armie Hammer, Naomi Watts, Josh Lucas, and Judi Dench. Overall, I thought this movie was solid but it does feel ‘drawn out’ at times. The progression of the film is a bit hard to interpret as well.

J. Edgar examines the rise of one of the most powerful men in America during the 20^th century. The audience first meets John Edgar Hoover when he is working for Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer at the United States Department of Justice in 1919. From the ‘get-go’ we see that Hoover is motivated, focused, and determined to be the best. This leads to his success of targeting, arresting, and sometimes deporting anti-radical groups. Achievement leads to reward and Hoover was appointed director of the Bureau of Investigation (the FBI’s predecessor). From here Hoover is able to reform police protocol and technology for crime science. He was an advocate for the centralized fingerprint system and forensic laboratories we use today. The film subsequently follows Hoover’s involvement in several high-profile events from 1920 until his death. What is more interesting however is the view into his personal life; in particular his interactions with his mother, trusted secretary, and friendship with Clyde Tolson.

DiCaprio’s portrayal of J. Edgar provokes emotion. As the story progresses you can’t help but dislike Hoover because of his egocentric behavior, lack of sentiment, and illegal methods for obtaining evidence. Armie Hammer is endearing as Clyde Tolson- Hoover’s ‘number-two man’ and rumored lover. Judi Dench’s performance as Hoover’s mother is spot-on. I must confess I despised her character. My opinion was cemented when the audience discovers how Hoover’s mother feels about homosexuals and the possibility of her son being one. With all that said, my expectations were definitely met. The cast is a desirable one and the acting in this film is first-class.

This film pays particular honor to the close-up shot. It allows us to interpret our character’s emotions so vividly. It is especially effective when DiCaprio is on the silver screen. The audience is able to feel so much of Hoover’s seriousness, frustration, egocentricity, and sadness. The music in the film becomes prominent towards the finish line of the film. The end of DiCaprio & Hammer’s fight scene is a great example; the finest instance may be Hoover after the death of his mother.

If I could only offer you one decisive factor to convince you to attend this film, I would say go for the fine acting performances. Each actor gives a truly memorable depiction of their character. While the film does have flaws and it is sometimes hard to grasp the timeline, the events in the film are appealing. Prohibition is not targeted but other happenings like the Lindbergh kidnapping case, the death of JFK, and MLK’s support for civil rights are present. Unless you know the title character’s history front and back J. Edgar will keep you curious I promise that.

7.5 out of 10