Sorry for the lateness in this post but I have had work commitments that made me put this post on the back seat! But never fear, the post is now here and I hope you enjoy this review!
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Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio (J.Edgar), Armie Hammer (Clyde Tolson), Naomi Watts (Helen Gandy)
Plot: This biographical film focuses on the life and work of J.Edgar Hoover, the director of the FBI. It examines his personal life that he kept hidden as this exposure could have ruined his career developments. It explores the difficulties this bureau had in it's beginnings in 1935. It highlights the impact J.Edgar had in developing the technologies we are now familiar with in today's society i.e. finger printing but his controversial actions in and out of office were what made him a figure to be remembered.
Trailer:
This film highlights the career of a great yet controversial man who was the founder of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and remained the director until his death in 1972.Through this time he battled his conflicting personal life and this film beautifully exposes the stigma and trauma he must of experienced.
DiCaprio really submerged himself into playing J.Edgar which is what makes him a great actor. He had the accent, the ticks and the subtle looks that made the homosexual element of this film not too obvious yet just about readable before it was made apparent.
The three main influential figures in J.Edgar's life were his Mother, played by Judi Dench, Clyde Tolson, his right hand man and Helen Gandy, his secretary. All three impacted his life and decisions in various ways and made him the man he became.
His loving Mother wanted him to always remain strong and not let anyone walk over him in his career. He took her words very seriously and always wanted to please her. When she knew his feelings towards men were not what she had expected, she defiantly said she would not want a 'daffodil' for a son which he took on board until her death, where he had a brief meltdown in her closet! Dench played this role to perfection, as expected. She was strong yet vulnerable towards her later years but never let her guard down when it came to her sons inner yearnings.
Her words rung through his mind and stopped him from fully expressing his adoration and love for Clyde but there was one emotional scene where he does expose his weakness for him. On a vacation the two spend together the love between them is explored after a fight about a woman Edgar is considering for marriage. Tolson is not happy and does not hold back in letting Edgar know about this. They have their dispute and share a kiss which Edgar is shocked by. When Tolson threatens to leave, Edgar begs him to stay. Tolson agrees on the condition that a woman is never discussed again.
For me this scene was so poignantly real and it made me shed a tear. Edgar knows he cannot have his personal thoughts exposed as this could threaten his career and to an extent he doesn't want them exposed to shame him Mother but deep down he knows he cannot live without Clyde in his life. They then both go on living a secret as keeping it hidden is better than not having it at all.
Armie Hammer, previously known for his role as the Winklevoss twins in The Social Network, truly shone in this film for me. He was charming, caring and intellectual, everything you believe Edgar would fall for. He played his part with ease and has really claimed his place within the acting arena.
Helen Candy also influences Edgar's life as she is the only woman he can trust other than his Mother and she supports him to the very end. He has her like he would have a wife only this is a platonic friendship that is essential for Edgar's survival in this industry as she keeps him grounded as well as being the protector of his 'personal and confidential' files.
Edgar was effectively married to the FBI, he developed and enhanced it in so many ways and refused to let this go even when his health slipped. He did reluctantly have visits from his Doctor but ultimately the strain of this position in his later years effected his health greatly, eventually ending in a heart attack.
There are many elements to this film that highlights Edgar's exaggerated involvement in the hands-on element of the job, as well as his controversial use of the evidence he collected and the bribery that he attempted.
The film flashes between past and present day and really goes into the depths of the inner workings of a great but troubled man. It is a must see for all people interested in films of this nature, American history and also to see how well acted all the major parts are.
My view: Being a lover of Leonardo DiCaprio, I say this is a a film worth adding to your list. It is historical, thought-provoking and above all, emotional. You would not think you would cry at a film like this but I was balling at many parts concerning the caring and subtle relationship between Clyde and Edgar. The film runs on truths and rumours concerning Edgar's life from the beginnings of his career to his death but it gives a greater understanding of this historical figure.
Rating: 8/10
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