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J. Edgar (2011) Reviews

J. Edgar (2011)
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Acclaimed actor Leonardo DiCaprio stars in Academy Award-winning director Clint Eastwood's richly detailed biopic exploring the life and career of controversial FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. For nearly 50 years, Hoover (DiCaprio) fought crime as one of the most powerful law enforcers in America. During Hoover's extended stint as Director of the FBI, however, his penchant for bending the law in the name of seeking justice and using the secrets of high profile leaders to gain personal leverage won him just as many supporters as detractors. Little did many other than his loyal colleague Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer) and faithful secretary Helen Gandy (Naomi Watts) know, however, that Hoover himself was a man with many secrets to hide. Josh Lucas, Judi Dench, and Stephen Root co-star in film written by Oscar-winning Milk scribe Dustin Lance Black. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Starring:
Leonardo DiCaprio, Armie Hammer, (more)
Director(s):
Clint Eastwood
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD  |  Blu-ray
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Average Ratings

(142 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

John and Jay F.

Very interesting character study of a complex man and how he created the FBI. Changed my opinion of Hoover and helped me understand the time period more. Fascinating how he was able to hold the office through eight presidencies both Democrat and Republican. DiCaprio gave his usual excellent performance.

Yes   |   No


Marc L.

Over all, a satisfactory film but a bio-pic that is incomplete. The viewer really doesn't get to know the subject of the film as well as the scripter and film maker could have presented. Hoover was an important figure in American history and like most human beings had his contradictions as well as his admirable traits and accomplishments. Well done production as were the performances by the actors but I thought the special make-up FX used to age DiCaprio and Hammer was over done and not realistic looking and frankly, it was too over the top. The viewer learns some interesting things about Hoover's life but the scripter left out just as many -- I also had heard that Hoover died at his desk just before the new FBI Building that bears his name was completed -- also curious that he and Pres. Nixon were so much alike in some ways that they didn't like or trust each other. Worth a viewing but not one of Eastwood's best films. My Grade: C Marc L. Seattle, WA

Yes   |   No


Diana D.

I found this interesting since I didn't know too much about J Edgar. The two male leads were outstanding. I am sure there was quite a bit of artistic license taken but overall gave an interesting bio on the man and his life. Left you making your own conclusions to some circumstances. Made me realize how ahead of his time and how influential J Edgar was to our forensics now.

Yes   |   No


Debby M.

I enjoyed this movie. As usual, the director Clint Eastwood does it one more time, along with "Gran Torino', "Million Dollar Baby", to just name a couple! I, also so enjoyed the movie soundtrack, I just don't know if it's available. Can't wait!

Yes   |   No


Terry S.

The movie was hard to follow at times as it flipped back and forth between present day and memories. It was interesting to learn the story behind J. Edgar. He was a tough man yet a mama's boy. He was a manipulator but often did things for the good of mankind. He had secrets and he kept secrets on others to blackmail them.

Yes   |   No


Stanley D.

Very disturbing! Makes one wonder if it is really true to life! I didn't really care for it--one of very few Clint Eastwood movies I haven't liked! SKD

Yes   |   No


Gary G.

This movie is boring in the extreme and skips around so much it is difficult to follow. I don't even care if DiCaprio gave a good performance. It was not worth watching anyway.

Yes   |   No


Tom D.

The person was interesting enough, but the way it was put on the screen was just a snoozer. I understand it was the depression and everything was gray and gloomy, but watching it at home, I actually fell asleep during the film; and I've only fallen asleep to one other film ever in my life. Interesting enough story, but is a visual sedative. Be prepared to fall asleep while watching this one.

Yes   |   No


Steven B.

Great movie..

Yes   |   No


John M.

Very disappointing - too much time spent on Hoover's foibles, and filmed as if in a dungeon throughout. What happened Clint?

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
    Read all (142)
     
    John and Jay F.

    Very interesting character study of a complex man and how he created the FBI. Changed my opinion of Hoover and helped me understand the time period more. Fascinating how he was able to hold the office through eight presidencies both Democrat and Republican. DiCaprio gave his usual excellent performance.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Marc L.

    Over all, a satisfactory film but a bio-pic that is incomplete. The viewer really doesn't get to know the subject of the film as well as the scripter and film maker could have presented. Hoover was an important figure in American history and like most human beings had his contradictions as well as his admirable traits and accomplishments. Well done production as were the performances by the actors but I thought the special make-up FX used to age DiCaprio and Hammer was over done and not realistic looking and frankly, it was too over the top. The viewer learns some interesting things about Hoover's life but the scripter left out just as many -- I also had heard that Hoover died at his desk just before the new FBI Building that bears his name was completed -- also curious that he and Pres. Nixon were so much alike in some ways that they didn't like or trust each other. Worth a viewing but not one of Eastwood's best films. My Grade: C Marc L. Seattle, WA

    Yes   |   No

     
    Diana D.

    I found this interesting since I didn't know too much about J Edgar. The two male leads were outstanding. I am sure there was quite a bit of artistic license taken but overall gave an interesting bio on the man and his life. Left you making your own conclusions to some circumstances. Made me realize how ahead of his time and how influential J Edgar was to our forensics now.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 142 Reviews
       

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