J. Edgar, which follows the life of J. Edgar Hoover from his career beginnings in Washington D.C. in 1919 to his death in 1972, is Clint Eastwood’s latest directorial project and a huge step up from his last project, Hereafter.
Returning to the emphasis on dramatic historical events and interesting characters which drove his Invictus, Eastwood portrays one of histories most intense and colorful characters with all the skill that he deserves.
Leonardo DiCaprio plays J. Edgar Hoover from age 24 up until his death at age 77, with Hollywood magic creating a convincing old man out of 37 year old DiCaprio.
Starring opposite DiCaprio are Armie Hammer (Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss of The Social Network) as assistant FBI director and companion Clyde Tolson and Naomi Watts (Ann Darrow in King Kong) as personal secretary Helen Gandy. Both play the characters throughout their lives at the FBI, from the 1920’s through the 1970’s.
The cast blends effortlessly, making the tension between DiCaprio and Hammer as well as the camaraderie between DiCaprio and Watts believable. It is DiCaprio that shines most though, giving Hoovers character all the strength, angst, frustration and eccentricity he was known for.
The plot touches on everything history loves to mention about Hoover, from the rumored homosexuality to his infamous ‘secret files’. If you have any interest at all about J. Edgar Hoover or are just a history buff, this is a must-see film.
