Coming Soon to Sawtell Cinema
J Edgar
Rating: M Running Time: 2 hrs 17 mins
Commencing: 8th March 2012
Synopsis:Rating: M Running Time: 2 hrs 17 mins
Commencing: 8th March 2012
The face of law enforcement in America for almost fifty years as FBI chief (1924 - 1972), J. Edgar Hoover (Leonardo DiCaprio) is feared and admired, reviled and revered. He fills millions of files with the secrets of the rich, famous, powerful - and the not so. But he harbours secrets of his own that would have destroyed his image, his career and his life.
Review by Louise Keller:
While Clint Eastwood's portrait of the enigmatic J. Edgar Hoover (DiCaprio) recounts the story of his auspicious professional life and achievements as FBI Chief for 48 years under eight presidents, the two most memorable scenes are of an extremely personal nature. One involves his mother (Dench) to whom Hoover is extremely close; the other involves Clyde Tolson (Hammer), Hoover's Achilles' heel and the only person Hoover needs as he struggles with his sexual preferences.
It is indicative of Eastwood's superb storytelling skills that this complex, meticulously researched story flows like a stream, allowing details, time jumps and events to wash over us with clarity. Leonardo DiCaprio's magnificent depiction of Hoover is extraordinary in this fascinating and insightful film. Some may argue Eastwood is overly kind to the man with the big ego, who makes controversial decisions.
With a superb screenplay by Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, the story is structured so as to allow the story to naturally dip in and out of the past. When the film begins, Hoover (DiCaprio almost unrecognisable with ageing make-up and prosthetics) is dictating a chapter of his life-story. He has a strong sense of the importance of history, keen his contribution is not forgotten.
A man of vision, Hoover has firm ideas to lead the new anti-radical section of the department, in order to protect America from the threat of communism and radical zealots. I like the scene when he takes pretty new secretary Helen Gandy (Watts) on a date - to demonstrate his new library card indexing system. The evening might not end as he originally anticipates when he tries to kiss her, but a commitment is made nonetheless: the girl who never intends to marry becomes his private secretary and confidante. She understands that information is power. (Watts delivers a powerful, understated performance.)
There are many memorable moments between Hoover and the handsome, smartly attired Tolson, but none more so than a weekend at the races; it is here in their hotel suite that they speak about their feelings for each other for the first time.
It's a devastating, brutally honest scene and one whose subtext we understand, especially in the context of Hoover's mother disdain for homosexuality. Hammer, fresh from his role as the rich Harvard twins in The Social Network, is outstanding.
The insight into the workings of the FBI is fascinating. We observe Hoover's obsession about his dossier of secret files, including those on Eleanor Roosevelt and her alleged lesbian lovers. He champions his fingerprint library with its clever card indexing and how the infamous 1932 Lindberg kidnapping prompts a law-change to make kidnapping a federal crime. The scenes involving a brusque exchange with Bobby Kennedy and the mutually negative relationship between Hoover and Richard Nixon are also interesting.
This is an elegant film from a classy filmmaker that will satisfy a discerning, intelligent audience.