FILM REVIEW: J. EDGAR
Director: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Cast:Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Watts, Judi Dench, Armie Hammer, Josh Lucas, Ken Howard
Synopsis: During his lifetime, J. Edgar Hoover would rise to be the most powerful man in America. As head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for nearly 50 years, he would stop at nothing to protect his country. Through eight presidents and three wars, Hoover waged battle against threats both real and perceived, often bending the rules to keep his countrymen safe. His methods were at once ruthless and heroic, with the admiration of the world his most coveted, if ever elusive, prize. Hoover was a man who placed great value on secrets–particularly those of others–and was not afraid to use that information to exert authority over the leading figures in the nation. Understanding that knowledge is power and fear poses opportunity, he used both to gain unprecedented influence and to build a reputation that was both formidable and untouchable. He was as guarded in his private life as he was in his public one, allowing only a small and protective inner circle into his confidence. His closest colleague, Clyde Tolson, was also his constant companion. His secretary, Helen Gandy, who was perhaps most privy to Hoover’s designs, remained loyal to the end…and beyond. Only Hoover’s mother, who served as his inspiration and his conscience, would leave him, her passing truly crushing to the son who forever sought her love and approval. As seen through the eyes of Hoover himself, “J. Edgar” explores the personal and public life and relationships of a man who could distort the truth as easily as he upheld it during a life devoted to his own idea of justice, often swayed by the darker side of power.
Review: “…You go ahead and investigate those c**k suckers!” – J EDGAR (Di Caprio)
Clint Eastwood is a Master of Cinema. He has his hand in every facet of film making both behind and in front of the lens. When the first hint of a new Eastwood production is heard, there is instant anticipation. J EDGAR was no exception. Eastwood has delivered on promise and has cast a stellar ensemble to furnish the film.
EDGAR shares many period similarities with another great Eastwood film the Primate loves – CHANGELING. There was also the same level of power, conviction and emotion present in EDGAR, which made it equally compelling viewing.
Eastwood pulls no punches in painting his own portrait of the man responsible for the creation of the FBI, which is perhaps what has caused the film to do so poorly in domestic US circles. The relationship Di Caprio’s Hoover has with Armie Hammer’s Clyde Tolson is the subject of much humour in the film. It also provides fuel for torment and aggression. Hammer did not overly impress this reviewer in THE SOCIAL NETWORK, but in EDGAR he really makes his mark on the film and is someone to watch out for. We are talking Best Supporting Actor material here.
Di Caprio only really warmed the heart of this reviewer in recent years and has done so again here. His impression of Hoover is phenomenal and demonstrates why so many people (fans and film makers alike) adore him. Hoover and Tolson spar and soar together as Di Caprio and Hammer make light work of their roles.
Aussie Naomi Watts puts in a great turn as Helen Gandy and although Watts has gone on record as saying it was a small role – don’t believe her. She was ever present and does a convincing turn as Hoover’s loyal secretary and confidante.
Others noted members in the ensemble cast include Josh Lucas (RED DOG) and Jeffrey Donovan (BURN NOTICE) who also appeared in CHANGELING.
This reviewer cannot let slide the performance from Dame Judy Dench. She was wonderful as Edgar’s mother. She is in a huge number of films and 9/10 times she is fantastic. Her involvement is a testament to both the film’s quality and the charisma of Eastwood. Even in a smaller role she makes use of every second and creates a memorable performance.
Things that were less than successful were some of the prosthetics, particularly on the aged Tolson. There were more than a handful of moments where you could tell it wasn’t real wrinkled skin and this did take the shine off his performance which was a shame.
Another element was the runtime. It felt a little long and could have done with 15 or so minutes shaved off it. That would have had the runtime come in around 2 hours which would have been a lot more digestible.
Tom Stern is once again on board as cinematographer. Having worked with Eastwood on MILLION DOLLAR BABY, MYSTIC RIVER & GRAN TORINO, you can pretty much guarantee the film will be a visual treat – and it does. There is a grittiness to each frame that was well used and suited the period.
Eastwood’s original music was sprinkled throughout the film. It didn’t have the same impact as that of CHANGELING and thus the Primate cannot recall the theme at this point, which may mean that it was intentional not to let the music overtake the dialogue. There weren’t as many reasons to pull the heart strings here, so it’s a positive that the dialogue wasn’t drowned out.
J EDGAR is a film for lovers of biopics, politics, American history and Clint Eastwood. In what is most likely the twilight of his career, he continues to go from strength to strength, were others of his ilk, such as George Lucas, are vowing to bow out because they keep copping flack.
This cowboy has a legacy that’s still being carved out and the Primate will willingly saddle up each and every time.
Really great film! I encourage you all to check it out!