LEO DICAPRIO stars in ‘J. Edgar’
By Cory Gaudaur
Western Sun associate editor
Legendary director Clint Eastwood’s latest film “J. Edgar” gives audiences a glimpse into the private life of J. Edgar Hoover, one of the most influential and powerful men in American government in the 20th century.
The film not only traces Hoover’s rise within the Justice Department and his nearly 50 years spent as director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but also the personal torment he faced as a homosexual man.
Leonardo DiCaprio gives a phenomenal, and possibly even Oscar-worthy, performance in the title role, bringing vulnerability to a rigid, powerful, and sometimes ruthless man struggling with his sexuality.
The love affair that Hoover begins with his colleague and loyal right-hand man Clyde Tolson, played outstandingly by Armie Hammer, is brought to life in a heartbreaking manner, as their relationship is constrained by Hoover’s fears.
The film is beautifully shot, each scene draped in shadows, darkness, and secrecy, helping to reinforce the idea that Hoover, while publicly a strong and powerful man, was privately dealing with a struggle between who he really is and who he is forced to be.
The cinematography and acting are amazing, but “J. Edgar” does miss the mark when it comes to the makeup used to age the actors. DiCaprio is convincing as an aged Hoover, however Hammer and Naomi Watts (Helen Gandy) look as though they are drowning in powder and prosthetics for a good portion of the film.
While not Eastwood’s best work, “J. Edgar” is regardless an outstanding film with powerhouse performances that should not be missed.
