J. Edgar 2011

J. Edgar

Critics Consensus

Leonardo DiCaprio gives a predictably powerhouse performance, but J. Edgar stumbles in all other departments with cheesy makeup, poor lighting, confusing narrative, and humdrum storytelling.

43%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 246

44%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 40,086

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Movie Info

As head of the FBI for nearly 50 years, J. Edgar Hoover (Leonardo DiCaprio) becomes one of America's most-powerful men. Serving through eight presidents and three wars, Hoover utilizes methods both ruthless and heroic to keep his country safe. Projecting a guarded persona in public and in private, he lets few into his inner circle. Among those closest to him are his protege and constant companion, Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer), and Helen Gandy (Naomi Watts), his loyal secretary.
  • Rating:
    R (Brief Strong Language)
  • Genre:
    biography, drama, history
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Clint Eastwood
  • Producer:
    Clint Eastwood, Brian Grazer, Robert Lorenz
  • Writer:
    Dustin Lance Black
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     wide
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $37.3M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Malpaso Company
  • Sound Mix:
    SDDS, Dolby Digital

Cast & Crew

Leonardo DiCaprio
J. Edgar Hoover
Naomi Watts
Helen Gandy
Armie Hammer
Clyde Tolson
Josh Lucas
Charles Lindbergh
Judi Dench
Annie Hoover
Ken Howard
Harlan Fiske Stone
Gunner Wright
Dwight Eisenhower
David A. Cooper
Franklin Roosevelt
Jeffrey Donovan
Robert Kennedy
Dermot Mulroney
Col. Schwarzkopf
Clint Eastwood
Director
Dustin Lance Black
Screenwriter
Clint Eastwood
Producer
Brian Grazer
Producer
Robert Lorenz
Producer
Tim Moore
Executive Producer
Erica Huggins
Executive Producer
Tom Stern
Cinematographer
Joel Cox
Film Editor
Gary D. Roach
Film Editor
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News & Interviews for J. Edgar

Critics Consensus: Jack and Jill Fetches Bad Reviews
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Critic Reviews for J. Edgar

All Critics (246) | Top Critics (64) | Fresh (107) | Rotten (139)

View All Critic Reviews (246)

Audience Reviews for J. Edgar

  • Jan 14, 2017
    J. Edgar was a somewhat confusing narrative, although it was well acted. The story content is almost boring in a sense when I really think about it, there are tons of dull parts. This is the kind of film I can appreciate, but would not watch again.
    Jarrin R Super Reviewer
  • Nov 22, 2013
    [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img]
    Directors C Super Reviewer
  • Feb 26, 2013
    A little long and somewhat boring/slow at times, but the acting was very good.
    Erin C Super Reviewer
  • Feb 05, 2013
    MAD HOOVER DOES NOT SUCK OK, forget the make-up on poor old Clyde Tolson, Hoover's gay 'partner', especially in the stroke scene at the end. It is beyond terrible. But this well written, acted and directed take on the life and career of the FBI founder is very good indeed, if you have half a brain. Eastwood and Shane Black are clear about Hoover as a person, and as an American icon - he was driven, mad, a repressed homosexual, who used his office to glorify himself and wield incredible power for an unelected figure. And yet.... He also contributed greatly to the modernisation of police work (imagine the CSI without Hoover), and championed the use of real evidence in criminal proscecutions. I found it a more truthful portrait than any other, as no villain sees himself as evil, but as good. DeCaprio is excellent throughtout the film. He plays Hoover at all stages of his worklife, and the make up on him is pretty good. It is during his rise that DeCaprio shines through as the quality performer. It may sound odd, but he has blossomed into a great actor, as De Niro predicted, with excellent performances in Scorsese's films and so many others. His baby face may still be there, but he is a formidable actor; along with Day Lewis, one of the very best of his generation. The convoluted nature of the storytelling is intelligent, but sometimes undermines the force of the film. It is difficult to find the governing idea - that one man's life, no matter how flawed, can still be great? That one man's flaws can overwhelm whatever good a man does? This did not make the film a waste of time, it made it interesting. It was left to the audience to ask and answer these big questions, and I, for one, found myself fascinated.
    Richard B Super Reviewer
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