Review of J. Edgar (2011) by Darryl K — 21 Jul 2012

While I don't know a great deal about the man in focus, I know the basics about him. And there seems to be one problem with the whole idea of making a movie about J Edgar Hoover -- he isn't a very likable character.

Black tries his best to construct a sympathetic character, but instead weaves a tale that is clunky and not cohesive. DiCaprio does a fine job as Hoover, proving again he has the magic, but the make up spoils half of the show.

While all the prosthetics and makeup are wonderful and would have been great if used in only a few scenes, it is painfully obvious that you are watching a young actor in an 'old person' suit. And when everyone is in all that getup for 75% of the film, your chances of having a moment where all that 'aging' doesn't work is pretty high.

All this complaining aside, however, J Edgar is not without it's moments. There are many elements that do work. Parts of the story are very interesting, the camera work is nice, Eastwood brings his 'soft touch' to the craftsmanship, and the human story of Hoover and his alleged lover is very endearing (although I find it hard to believe Hoover was a closet homosexual.

I can believe that he was so detached from his sexuality that he didn't know how to love anyone [and that's how the homosexual rumors got started]. But this film was aiming for waterworks). But once everything is all said and done one has to remember -- Hoover wasn't a very nice man.

Look at what he did in context, even the things he did in this film. And that just goes to show, no mater how much you polish up a lump of coal, it will never turn into a diamond. That is the case here, with the man and the movie.