Director: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Armie Hammer and Naomi Watts
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors that gained fame years ago are as beloved as Leonardo DiCaprio. Following the 1990’s, DiCaprio has proven to be an icon. Whether it’s destructive lovers, departed cops or Wall Street stockbrokers, DiCaprio has played countless compelling characters. Arguably, DiCaprio’s strength as an actor has often been his commitment to craft. He is a one of a kind actor which has poured both heart and soul into every role. Through ability to portray strong characters that are compelling, DiCaprio has created a legacy that is lasting. An actor with a strong commitment toward his craft, DiCaprio has become a celebrated icon in entertainment. Throughout a lasting career, DiCaprio has produced several memorable movies which are absolutely worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of DiCaprio and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “J. Edgar” may be his most underrated film. Released back in 2011, Clint Eastwood’s film offered a strong tribute toward J. Edgar and his lasting legacy. Packed with spellbinding production, engaging storytelling and strong acting, it’s a strong political biopic. At centre of it all is a strong performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who portrays a political figure that faces sorrow. Although “J. Edgar” is a solid biopic, it isn’t a flawless movie. It’s unevenly paced, and suffers from an ambiguous conclusion. Nevertheless, it offers riveting entertainment for fans of historical dramas.
Based on true events, “J. Edgar” chronicles life of a legendary political figure. Leonardo DiCaprio portrays J. Edgar Hoover, a fierce law enforcement officer. Hoover has always had a talent for running law enforcement in his country that he has cared about deeply. However, Hoover’s dreams are destroyed by barriers that cause disaster. As he reveals closeted homosexuality, Hoover’s career is put under intense scrutiny. Stuck in a tense dilemma, Hoover questions whether it’s truly possible for him to become the president of America. Under intense pressure, Hoover is forced to wonder whether it’s truly possible for him to overcome disaster.
Clint Eastwood has been fascinated with political figures which are misunderstood. An iconic filmmaker, Eastwood has often created engaging movies about political figures that face disaster. With “J. Edgar”, however, Eastwood made his first political biopic. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to honour a legacy of a legendary figure in American history but he succeeded. Using strong cinematography, Eastwood captures a political figure embarking on a journey to find identity. Emulating Oliver Stone’s “JFK”, Eastwood uses montages to capture legacy of a legendary figure that’s beloved today. For instance, montages elevate the political speech scene. During this engaging scene, J. Edgar Hoover delivers a profound speech about politics expressing his views. Through stunning montages, Eastwood constructs a portrait of political figures that’s engaging. Montages are tricky techniques. As James Cameron’s “Titanic” suggested, montages enhance disaster movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Using captivating visuals, Eastwood captures hardships that political figures are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “J. Edgar” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best political movies ever made. Evoking Stephen Frears’ “The Queen”, Eastwood successfully uses costumes to capture the personality of a legendary political figure. Throughout the movie, J. Edgar Hoover’s costumes show his transformation into an iconic political figure. For instance, costumes elevate the political meetings scene. During this intense scene, Hoover has an intense meeting with fellow political associates. Using bold costumes, Eastwood creates a portrait of politics that is engaging. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. It gives the movie atmosphere capturing the heavy burden political leaders bear. Through strong production, Eastwood captured political leaders which experience tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “J. Edgar” is a political film that’s engaging. The film is beautifully written, and expertly uses silence to capture tension that political leaders always experience. Evoking Richard Attenborough’s “Gandhi”, Eastwood expertly uses silence to capture the lives of political leaders that endure adversity. For instance, silence enhances the scandal scene. During this memorable scene, Hoover experiences tension when he becomes helpless victim of a dire scandal. Through silence, Eastwood creates a portrait of political figures which audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a xomplec technique. As Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu’s “The Revenant” claimed, silence enhances movies about survival. However, it works immensely in this movie. Through an exceptional screenplay, Eastwood honours a celebrated political figure which is beloved today.
One appreciates powerful performances.
Leonardo DiCaprio delivers one of his best career performances as J. Edgar. DiCaprio earned appreciation for portraying doomed lovers on destructive ships. With “J. Edgar”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to embody a legendary political figure that faces adversity but he succeeds. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charming and emotional in his most tricky role. With bold expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and grief of a political leader which faces tensions. It’s a powerful performance from one of the best actors today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for DiCaprio, the supporting cast is also great and worthy of appreciation. Armie Hammer is astonishing, capturing inquisitive nature of a man that falls in love with a renowned political leader. Naomi Watts is spectacular, capturing the larger than life personality of a feminist political leader that endeavours to overcome adversity. Lastly, Judi Dench is memorable. As Hoover’s mother, she brings wisdom to the movie.
Although “J. Edgar” is a powerful political biopic, it isn’t a flawless film. If there’s one shortcoming to the movie, it lacks engaging pacing. Eastwood’s decisions to incorporate subplots about sexual affairs into the movie is bold but doesn’t succeed. Due toward this faulty technique, scenes capturing Hoover’s affairs aren’t as engrossing as his political journey. Moreover, the movie lacks a strong ending. It’s an ambiguous conclusion which fails to bring the movie towards a satisfying conclusion. Therefore, “J. Edgar” fall short of expectations.
Nevertheless, fans of Leonardo DiCaprio will enjoy “J. Edgar” and so would movie-goers seeking educational entertainment. A bold political biopic, it honours an actor that has become iconic.
Nearly 15 years following the release of an iconic political film about a legendary figure that changed America forever, it’s a strong reminder of an actor that has built a great career through his abilities to play powerful characters in memorable movies audiences treasure.
4/5 stars
The Film Buff 