Zoë's Blu-ray Review: J. EDGAR
As the face of law enforcement in America for almost 50 years, J. Edgar Hoover was feared and admired, reviled and revered. Discover the man behind the secrets when “J. Edgar,” arrives onto Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital Download February 21 from Warner Home Entertainment Group.
The Film
As an admirer of both director Clint Eastwood and Leonardo DiCaprio I can't help bu have a lot of faith in their work. Unfortunately I couldn't help but be disappointed in their first cinematic collaboration. The pacing is slow, lacking the intensity of a either of the duo's prior works, which reduces the tone to a cable TV documentary. It’s much too long given the lack of strength; in turn the movie is unable to convince the audience to care enough through the end.
When it comes to actors, this cast features no lack of talent. DiCaprio does the best with what he’s given as the title character, but the infamously poor makeup utilized for Hoover's later years takes away from his performance. Who really delivers in this film are the supporting cast members. Judi Dench as Hoover's mother Anna Marie is stellar and powerful while Naomi Watts, who plays the F.B.I. director's long time secretary, offers a sympathetic look into his life. Armie Hammer portrays Hoover's protégé, confidant and alluded to lover Clyde Tolson well, but his character is plagued with the same lack of depth as DiCaprio's. Sad to see that no amount of acting ability can entertain an audience enough to sit through a film with very minimal connection.
Special Features Breakdown
J. Edgar: The Most Powerful Man in the World - This is the only special feature on the Blu-ray release. It documents the life of the real J. Edgar, which is ironic because film itself acts as a much too long documentary-styled project on this same man. It also does not help that Eastwood admits to not knowing too much about Hoover. As with the film, those who are interested in this topic will enjoy the movie and this featurette, but otherwise it’s nothing to go out of your way to watch.
Oscar® winner Clint Eastwood (“Million Dollar Baby,” “Unforgiven”) directed the film from a screenplay by Oscar® winner Dustin Lance Black (“Milk”). Academy Award® nominee Leonardo DiCaprio (“Inception,” “The Aviator”) stars in the title role. ”J. Edgar” also stars Academy Award® nominee Naomi Watts (“21 Grams”) as Helen Gandy, Hoover’s longtime secretary; Armie Hammer (“The Social Network”) as Hoover’s protégé Clyde Tolson; Josh Lucas (“The Lincoln Lawyer”) as the legendary aviator Charles Lindbergh, whose son’s kidnapping changes the public profile of the F.B.I.; and Oscar® winner Judi Dench (“Shakespeare in Love”) as Hoover’s over-protective mother, Annie Hoover.
During his lifetime, J. Edgar Hoover would rise to be the most powerful man in America. As head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for nearly 50 years, he would stop at nothing to protect his country. Through eight presidents and three wars, Hoover waged battle against threats both real and perceived, often bending the rules to keep his countrymen safe. His methods were at once ruthless and heroic, with the admiration of the world his most coveted, if ever elusive, prize.
Hoover was a man who placed great value on secrets—particularly those of others—and was not afraid to use that information to exert authority over the leading figures in the nation. Understanding that knowledge is power and fear poses opportunity, he used both to gain unprecedented influence and to build a reputation that was both formidable and untouchable.
He was as guarded in his private life as he was in his public one, allowing only a small and protective inner circle into his confidence. His closest colleague, Clyde Tolson, was also his constant companion. His secretary, Helen Gandy, who was perhaps most privy to Hoover’s designs, remained loyal to the end... and beyond. Only Hoover’s mother, who served as his inspiration and his conscience, would leave him, her passing truly crushing to the son who forever sought her love and approval.
