J. Edgar
2011, Biography/Drama, 2h 17m
247 Reviews 25,000+ RatingsWhat to know
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. Read critic reviews
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Movie Info
Cast & Crew
J. Edgar Hoover
Helen Gandy
Clyde Tolson
Charles Lindbergh
Annie Hoover
Harlan Fiske Stone
News & Interviews for J. Edgar
Critic Reviews for J. Edgar
All Critics (247) | Top Critics (64) | Fresh (107) | Rotten (140)
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The Hoover material is ugly and very American, and it might have made an authentic monster story. But the picture offered is muddled, cautious, and at cross purposes.
June 20, 2013 | Full Review… -
It is a solid, expertly crafted biopic, and while it doesn't dive as deeply into its enigmatic central figure as I'd hoped it would that didn't make sitting in the theatre watching every single one of its 137 minutes any less enjoyable.
January 27, 2012 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
This muddled melodrama adds up to a missed opportunity.
January 20, 2012 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review… -
Quote not available.
January 20, 2012 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review… -
Hoover was one of the darkest figures in US history but Eastwood and his scriptwriter have forgiven all in a hazy resignation to old age coming to everyone and love being what matters.
January 20, 2012 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review… -
One part Charles Foster Kane to three parts Elmer Fudd.
January 20, 2012 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for J. Edgar
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Jan 14, 2017J. 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
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Nov 22, 2013[img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img]Directors C Super Reviewer
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Feb 26, 2013A little long and somewhat boring/slow at times, but the acting was very good.Erin C Super Reviewer
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Feb 05, 2013MAD 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
J. Edgar Quotes
| J. Edgar Hoover: | Funny how even the dearest face will fade away in time, but most clearly I remember your eyes with a sort of teasing smile in them, and the feeling of that soft spot just northeast of the corner of your mouth. |
| J. Edgar Hoover: | Clyde!! Don´t leave me!! |
| J. Edgar Hoover: | Clyde! Don't leave me! |
| J. Edgar Hoover: | It's time this generation learns the difference between villan and hero. Even great men can be corrupted. |
| Anne Marie Hoover: | I'd rather have a dead son than a daffodil. |
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