J Edgar

J Edgar



This is not a well produced film. There are many flaws. It jumps around in historical periods. Some of the facts do not feel real. As a member of the audience I felt as if I was watching an exaggerated story full of flaws. It is such an interesting story and I really craved to know what was really factually correct.

However, this is a fascinating film about a very complex historical character. Leonardo DiCaprio is absolutely magnificent and worth the price of the ticket just to see his performance as J Edgar Hoover.

Hoover was a Mama’s boy. This is well documented. His mother is portrayed by the great Judi Dench. She was the only person he really relied on and trusted. She also was the only person who could put him in his place and tell him what to do.

Hoover was the first director of the FBI and it is fascinating to see his maneuverings and watch his rise in power. He did survive for 50 years during eight presidents. He was ruthless in fighting his demons and for his causes. He claimed to have caught some of the most notorious criminals in American history and loved the limelight of receiving praise. He fought any hint of communism. He often was ruthless to both to his workers and the people he was against.

He clearly fancied his co worker Clyde played by Armie Hammer. It was a long time relationship and according to the facts at the end of the film Hoover left him his house after he died.

His secretary was faithful to him from the day he met her. It was very strange and seemed out of character when he proposed to her on his first date. By the way the date took the couple to the National Library where he regaled her with stories of how he set up this library. She chose work over marriage and became his faithful long standing secretary.

I relived a lot of history by watching the film.

I recently saw a documentary called John F K’s women. The documentary made it clear that Hoover wanted to bring down the President and tried several times. Bobby Kennedy had to come to the rescue and make secret deals with Hoover. This part of history is only briefly mentioned and should have been expanded.

Clint Eastwood directed the film. I will go to any film that he has been part of because he is a master.

It is not a great film but well worth watching.