Movie Review : "J. Edgar" - The Story behind one of the Most Powerful Man in History

I was never ever warned it would be a shocking film for me. I was really blown away by "J. Edgar." Given the dynamic team of Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, and Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, this is really an insightful look into the life of the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I never expected it to be this kind of a movie!

The Story:

As the face of law enforcement in America for almost 50 years, J. Edgar Hoover was feared and admired, reviled and revered. But behind closed doors, he held secrets that would have destroyed his image, his career and his life. As the face of law enforcement in America for almost 50 years, J. Edgar Hoover was feared and admired, reviled and revered. But behind closed doors, he held secrets that would have destroyed his image, his career and his life.

Among other things, the story zigzags through that plot and the rise of the FBI fine enough as it is, though not as seamlessly and effectively as I would have expected.

The Characters:

The acting of Leonardo DiCaprio was stunningly amazing as he brought the whole drama to realism.  Perhaps, he could even win some awards. DiCaprio and his co-star Armie Hammer was able to pull off it off with chemistry. Their portrayal was pretty good. Hoover (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and Tolson (played by Armie Hammer) must hide their obvious romantic affections for each other, mainly down to Hoover’s choices, which are shown to be down to the overriding influence of his mother Anne Marie (Judi Dench)

Armie Hammer has the most notable performance in this movie and with much relief, has good chemistry with the Leonardo DiCaprio. Their relationship is summed up well by the story she tells Hoover about a local boy, with the nickname Daffy (‘short for Daffodil’), who shot himself. He’s used as an example because Anne Marie would rather have ‘a dead son than a daffodil for a son.’

Every tender moment between Clyde and Edgar, up until that scene in the hotel room where... they apparently adored the cariño brutal treatment. It's an apparent truth and yet I can observe only very rarely: as straight men are excited by girl-on-girl action, straight women are as equally excited by man-on-man action. Give or take a few open minds.


My Say:

Overall, I still say Leonardo DiCaprio deserves at least an Oscar nomination for this. He was quite good, but the movie as a whole lacked the oomph and punch that I expected of it. While the protagonist tried to rise up from adversity and personal issues, the film itself was struggling in places and couldn't really decide what it wanted to say beyond painting a profile.

"J.Edgar" is the type of film that can be more appreciated when watched in a movie house—most preferably in a crowded movie house because the audience response can boost its entertainment factor. There’s something about the audience’s collective response that will help you get more in touch with the film’s message and, of course, sustain your attention until the end credits.

The heart of the film is Hoover’s relationship with Tolson, which will surely spike your interest level. The movie was interesting to watch.  I found myself immersed into the show curious about how his life went on.

Rating : 7/10


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