What’s it about? J Edgar was the face of American law enforcement for almost 50 years, having seen the FBI set up from scratch. While he upheld standards in regards to the laws of the state, and was admired by many for doing so, Edgar held his own secrets close to his chest. This biopic of his life, directed by Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby), attempts to get to grips with a man who dedicated his life to the job.
Who’s in it? Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Watts, Judy Dench, Armie Hammer
Handbag hearts? Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance as J. Edgar is spellbinding, and deserves the academy nods that he is surely going to receive when Oscar nominations are announced on January 24. His supporting cast are also on top of their game, with Judy Dench playing his over-bearing mother stupendously and Naomi Watts and Armie Hammer giving solid performances as his right hand man and woman.
What’s bad? J.Edgar is a bit of a slow burner. For the first twenty minutes we wondered when the action was going to kick in, but the tugs on the old emotional heartstrings soon come thick and fast.
The prosthetics. As DiCaprio, Hammer and Watts all play their characters for a total of 50 years, there was going to be some heavy make-up and effects used to add to the illusion. Unfortunately, most of them look like they’ve spent too much time in front of a radiator. They were laughable. However, take away from this the fact that they didn’t hinder the central character’s performances, which were still wonderful, and you’ve got a sense of the level of acting to expect.
Clint Eastwood takes a delicate approach to some of J.Edgar’s more controversial moments, pondering over them briefly, leading you to wonder what he hoped to achieve by painting an incomplete picture of the man behind at the front of the FBI. All we’re left with is a bitty recollection of J.Edgar’s life that doesn’t offer up anything new.
Should you see it? Yes. J. Edgar is thoroughly enjoyable, emotionally turbulent (give it a while to kick in) and wonderfully shot. Leonardo is brilliant, aside from the dodgy make-up. Just don’t go in expecting to be given a brilliant insight into the workings of the man’s mind and you won’t be disappointed.
Watch our interviews with Leonardo DiCaprio and Clint Eastwood for J.Edgar
