Review #333: 'J. Edgar' (2011)

The first half of the 20th century was an incredibly corrupt and conspiratorial period, particularly in American politics. A figure within this rich history was John Edgar Hoover, founder and head of the FBI from it's inception in 1935. He did much for the modernisation of police procedure, but he was also a very contentious character. He kept secret files on public figures, using them to blackmail. This also kept each new president in check, creating a position in the country who was above the law, unaccountable, and practically untouchable. His FBI was corrupt, and Hoover himself publicly stated that organised crime did not exist on the level that was claimed about The Mafia. It's interesting that it was not until Hoover's death in 1972, that the US supreme court et al began investigating and eventually prosecuting organised gangs.

Obviously this first paragraph is unable to summarise the full complexity of a man, - speculated as being homosexual (something that has never been proven) - I was expecting good things for a project directed by Clint Eastwood (who has been active over the last decade or so, producing some incredibly accomplished films), and starring Leonardo DiCaprio (who has himself been involved in great films, and performing spectacularly - despite still having the "heart-throb" label attached to him due to one film, Titanic (1997).

J. Edgar's main focus is not necessarily the full complexities of the real man. It's attention is focused upon the man as a public figure, a character that he plays himself in life. The image is important to him; he is shown as being a great PR man. In the early stages of the FBI, he influenced the content of radio shows, comic books and movies (such as 'G' Men (1935)) that were depicting the courageous activities of the bureau. Hoover's public image is portrayed as being practically identical to his private persona, keeping only three people close to him: His mother Anna Marie (Judi Dench), his secretary (Naomi Watts), and Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer), his close associate at the FBI. Tolson and Hoover were close their entire careers, leading to the speculation that they were lovers - something that seems plausible on the evidence, but has no concrete conclusion. Therefore, the film only really briefly suggest this, leaving the viewer to ponder personal conclusions.

Whilst the screenplay (written by Dustin Lance Black, who had previously won an Oscar for the fantastic Milk (2008)) fails to really explore the ambiguities, or even much of the psychological complexities of Hoover, the production is exceptional. The film's span brings it through the 1920's into the 1970's and costume, sets and cinematography is dazzlingly beautiful, and exacting of their periods. DiCaprio's performance is good, but the screen is quite often filled with prosthetically 'enhanced' pensioner's, which at times actually aggravated me. This is not to say that the make-up is bad, it is very good. This could have been less distracting had there only been one character, however, with three or more, is too much. With some great talent attached to this project, I would have expected a more interesting film. As it is, it's not the worst biopic that I have ever seen. However, for my money, if you want a film about this interesting historical figure, I would advise you watch Larry Cohen's excellent low budget The Private Files of J. Edgar Hoover (1977).


Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Armie Hammer, Naomi Watts, Josh Lucas, Judi Dench
Country: USA

Rating: ***

Marc Ivamy