Clint Eastwood has sharpened his directing skills in the past decade, showing that he can make high quality drama films such as Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby. In his newest feature he takes on the life of J. Edgar Hoover, the former long-time director and founder of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The script was penned by Dustin Lance Black best known for the award-winning movie Milk.

J. Edgar tells the life of its subject through flashbacks while an elderly Hoover dictates about his past. A lot of this revolves around the Lindbergh kidnapping. Hoover’s personal life throughout the years is highlighted, particularly his relationship with his deputy Clyde Tolson. Controversial subject matter surrounding his persona is not swept under the carpet, like his alleged homosexuality and self-glorification.

Although inter-cutting between past and present is an effective storytelling device, it is sometimes disorienting in J. Edgar. The cinematography is decent, and most of the make-up used to make actors look older is convincing. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers an excellent performance as J. Edgar Hoover and whilst certainly intended as a deep drama movie, it is not shy of amusing dialogue.

J. Edgar is not particularly gripping, at times a bit too slow, and occasionally hard to follow due to some flashbacks problems. Nevertheless, it is overall a well crafted movie that gives insight into a person who was instrumental in establishing some of today’s established forensic practices. If you’re into biopics, and can oversee some minor flaws in execution, this is for you.

Note: J. Edgar will be released outside the United States in January, and in the Netherlands on January fifth twenty twelve.

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

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