Hoovers aren’t always clean.
Clint Eastwood’s political biopic about J. Edgar Hoover - the man responsible for the American intelligence system.
Shown in a relentless barrage of memories, flashbacks, concocted accounts of his own life, and present day, we see J. Edgar’s life as a Federal Officer who becomes the man who revolutionized the FBI in order to fight communism and other threats to his country. Played by the incandescent Leonardo Di Caprio (who can do no wrong it seems), J. Edgar is portrayed as a terrifyingly complex man with issues ranging from his protective mother (Judy Dench) to his homoerotic sidekick Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer).
Starting with an eager pace, J. Edgar takes a while to find its stride - attempting to show the man in many stages of his life in order to give the audience the idea behind the film. This eager pace gives little time for any real depth to develop, which only comes later once the scenes are left to ponder a little longer, and we see the cracks beginning to show.
Aside from Di Caprio’s brilliant performance, we are also given some brilliance onscreen by Hammer, depicting a difficult character with poise and integrity. Dench, although shamefully underused in the movie, plays her part well, giving an understanding to J. Edgar’s home life.
Important themes are raised by the film, such as the notion of intelligence - how far should it be allowed to operate outside of law and scrutiny? As well as the changing landscape of police enforcement.
Political biopics, particularly American ones, do come better than this (see Nixon), but Eastwood’s attempt should be lauded for its determination and bravery, and fans of good acting will be in for a treat.
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