Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Georgetown University’s Newspaper of Record since 1920

The Hoya

Get Swept Away in New Hoover Biopic

Clint Eastwood is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated actors and directors in the history of modern cinema. His career has spanned over 50 years, and he has contributed to more than 55 films. His masterpieces include his performance in the epic western The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and more recently, his direction of Oscar-winning Million Dollar Baby. It is thus no surprise that many have eagerly anticipated his latest directorial effort, J. Edgar.

The biopic embarks on a journey through the life of the titular character, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover (Leonardo DiCaprio). It is constructed via an intricate series of flashbacks narrated by an elderly Hoover in an interview with a biographer. The story begins with Hoover as a young adult during the 1920s, still living with his mother (Judi Dench) and embroiled in his career in the Justice Department.

The film follows Hoover’s rise to head of the FBI, a position which he held for 50 years. We see glimpses of his involvement with milestones of 20th-century American history, such as the Bolshevik threat and the Lindbergh kidnapping. However, at the heart of J. Edgar is the man’s personal life, particularly his controversial relationship with his protege, Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer), which becomes anything but professional.

Undoubtedly J. Edgar‘s weakest element, which prevents it from transcending the line between “good movie” to “great movie,” is its script. Although the film trots along at a reasonably agreeable pace, considering its 136-minute running time, it is in dire need of a story arc. There is no inciting event, no climax. Although one cannot expect the writers to alter any aspects of Hoover’s life, there are ways to add an oomph factor to any story, real or fictional. Unfortunately, in this respect, J. Edgar decidedly fails.

Nonetheless, J. Edgar is remarkable for its accurate encapsulation of a controversial man of numerous contradictions. The film does not focus on Hoover as a federal agent, but as a man of drive, determination and a major crisis of self-identity. While there are no graphic depictions of the homosexual relationship between Hoover and Clyde, the fact that this relationship is portrayed at all is very risqué, but in a positive way. In taking such a firm stance on a highly debated aspect of American history, it not only pushes the envelope of contemporary cinema, but it also shows the viewer both sides of a man who has been as lauded as he has been denigrated.

The acting ensemble is one of the highlights of the film. DiCaprio shines in the leading role, and faces the difficult challenge of portraying a man at many different aspects of his life with admirable competency. The actor that has been the dream man of millions of teenage girls since Titanic has never earned an Academy Award (despite three nominations). This film might well be his most promising attempt at the ultimate prize thus far in his career.

Credit must also be given to Judi Dench for her portrayal of Hoover’s mother (in spite of her often laughably bad American accent). Another acting highlight was Naomi Watts, whose portrayal of Hoover’s steadfast secretary Helen Gandy was solid and convincing. Despite these first-rate performances, DiCaprio is the undeniable star of the movie, and carries the audience with him from beginning to end.

Another major strength of the film lies in its technical aspects, featuring beautiful cinematography and costumes. However, kudos must be particularly given to J. Edgar‘s makeup team, who believably transformed DiCaprio, Hammer and Watts (all middle-aged actors) into ages ranging from their twenties to their seventies.

Although many viewers might be slightly disappointed, as previews of J. Edgar portrayed it as having the potential to be a masterpiece, it is nonetheless a fascinating and ultimately rewarding viewing experience. With a bravura performance from DiCaprio and an excellent display of technical skill, Eastwood certainly has much to be proud of.

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