CAST: Leonardo DiCarpio, Armie Hammer, Naomi Watts, Dame Judi Dench, Ed Westwick, Josh Hamilton, Josh Lucas, Judi Dench, Lea Thompson; DIRECTOR: Clint Eastwood; SCREENWRITER: Dustin Lance Black; PRODUCER: Clint Eastwood, Brian Grazer, Robert Lorenz; EDITOR: MUSICAL DIRECTOR : Clint Eastwood; GENRE: Drama; CINEMATOGRAPHER DISTRIBUTOR: Warner Bros; LOCATION: USA; RUNNING TIME: 137 minutes
Technical Assessment: 3.5
Moral Assessment: 3
Cinema Rating: For viewers 14 years old and above
J. Edgar tells the story of J. Edgar Hoover (Leonardo diCaprio), the head of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for nearly 50 years. The story jumps from one period to another between 1920’s and 1970s highlighting Hoover’s achievements from his point-of-view as the old Hoover narrates to younger agents. He tells stories of how he protected the United States from Communist attacks and how he introduced various innovations (like the central fingerprinting system) to advance criminology, thus, preventing criminality. Some of the film’s highlights were the tracking of the mastermind of the kidnapping of Lindbergh baby that paved the way for Hoover’s eventual rise to power. All these juxtapose with his secrets untold including that of his relationship with his mother (Judi Dench) and assistant Clyde Tolson (Armi Hammer).
The film has tried hard to capture the complexities of one of the most controversial figures in the history of the US. J. Edgar may be utterly successful in bringing about the details of Hoover’s achievements as the FBI director only to discredit him later on, but the movie fails in entirety to really flesh out the humanness of J. Edgar the man. This is not really much the fault of the filmmakers but the material itself calls for such complexity beyond the capacity of the film medium. But then again, the non-linear storytelling works well in sustaining audience’s interest and diCaprio’s intensity and screen presence is as brilliant as always. Perhaps the prosthetics did not really help that much and they should have thought of another way of representing the old Hoover, (Getting a real veteran actor, perhaps?) so actors won’t have to look ridiculous. The cast ensemble is strong and the film surely has its brilliant moments only that it should have shown more of the real J. Edgar.
Is J. Edgar Hoover a hero or a foe? That makes the figure a real controversial one. The film does not really say so but at the very least, it has presented the many contradictions in his character, although quite limited on the surface. There is much to ponder on as far as his intentions for his country is concerned. While he is able to protect the US from Communist attacks, he has also invaded private lives and spaces beyond the rule of law. Hoover has broken the very law he has pledged to protect. All the while in the film, open secrets about his real personality – including his childhood and repressed sexuality – transposes to his duty as FBI director, thus quite saying that a weakling hides behind the mask of an iron man. The said back story could be a justification how the infamous J. Edgar came to be. But then, his integrity, dedication and loyalty as FBI head still cannot be questioned and his fiery passion to protect the country from communists, radicals and criminals must be emulated by every citizen of any land. In that respect, J. Edgar is still worth seeing, and the many questions the film did not answer and the many secrets kept hidden are all worth pondering.
