Review of J. Edgar (2011) by Gary N — 09 Feb 2013

Having read many professional reviews condemning the movie, I was pleasantly surprised how good it actually was. Given it forms the collaborative efforts of Eastwood and DiCaprio in a true story period drama- the expectations were set far too high.True, the film is uneven and rather dry, but this is focusing on Hoover- motivations & character flaws rather than the FBI. Although there is some focus on the sea changes to investigation and the growing power of the FBI, they take a back seat to films focus.

Of note, the period look of the film and the grey shadowy tone are fantastic, following on from Eastwoods superior "The Changling". DiCaprio is also very good, ably supported by Hammer and Watts.

Complaints regarding the flashbacks causing narrative confusion I find are a nonsense. The main issues are the lack of emotional dynamics, Hoovers secrecy leaves a lot of interpretive guess work in place as to his actual personal life and sexuality. Perhaps a little more focus on FBI field operations would have given it a shot in the arm too. The one thing that can't be excused however, is some of the make-up effects. DiCaprio's aging is reasonably done (just!), Watts's excellent- but Hammer's?! He looks like a character from a Harry Enfield show, a grouchy old git, or a Little Britain creation, You have to be a little jealous of the blue eyed, blonde haired, 6ft 5in, athletically cut, square jawed hunk that is Hammer, that even a mass of make-up can't age him!