Film Reviews

J. Edgar

• Rating:
• Director: Clint Eastwood
• Starring: Armie Hammer
• Details: US/137mins TBC

A straightforward, no frills biopic from the master of no frills storytelling, Clint Eastwood, like his recent Nelson Mandela featuring flick, Invictus, 'Edgar' is somewhat of a missed opportunity to get under the hood of a truly fascinating man. That said, Di Caprio is surprisingly strong in a role few people saw him fitting, and the backdrop of famous characters from yesteryear and memorable historic events is endlessly inviting. But the make-up... Dear god the make-up; this is like a movie star led episode of 'Anonymous'.
Quite possibly the definitive "boy scout" Di Caprio's J Edgar is a by the book, repressed and complex individual who Sigmund Freud would've had a field day with. His relationship with his domineering mother (a commanding Dench) shaped his entire life, and he only really allowed himself to be moderately human around close "friend" Clyde Tolson (Hammer). It's that relationship that takes the focus in the latter half of Eastwood's film, as a never spoken bond between the two men builds - as does the sexual ambiguity.
Obviously a repressed individual, Edgar's motivations as a law enforcer and a human being seem to bottle neck when it comes to his mother. He had a massive ego, and those who don't know their American history will recognise a name or two being thrown around from the likes of recent Johnny Depp/Christian Bale starrer Public Enemies; he wanted the glory, and his drive for said glory was borderline sociopathic at times. The problem with this production is not that it paints a picture of a man who's simply unlikeable, but that is does so so blandly. Eastwood decided to go broad with his in order to capture as much of Edgar's life as possible, and while that was a wise choice, the dramatics just don't click.
On the plus side Di Caprio is good; quickly vanishing doubts about his ability to churn out such a performance. Alongside maybe George Clooney, he's amongst the premiere movie stars on the planet, and his suitably belligerent portrayal of an often despicable man is never less than impressive. Hammer is fine, but his make-up in the latter stages really doesn't help his performance, while Watts has very little to do other than walk in and out of scenes featuring more prominent characters.
Uneven and boasting some of the most horrific make-up in modern cinematic memory, this is still worth seeing on a rainy Sunday - although waiting for the DVD

Review by Mike Sheridan