Saw 'J. Edgar'.....

[FAST FRED]

.....and my wife and I thought it was just OK.

The Link

Possible spoilers ahead.








Good acting and direction, but nothing much new is revealed beyond what's already well-known, inferred, surmised or expected concerning the public and private life of Hoover, who was America's most famous law enforcement official as the designer, implementer and Director of the FBI for 48 years under 8 US Presidents.

I recommend it for moviegoers who lived during those years, have studied that history or have interest in those times.

I think other viewers may find it, because of the perhaps too thorough Dustin Lance Black scripting of a lengthy, multi-faceted story, often tedious and generally unexciting, as I certainly did myself, without sharing my over riding interest in seeing it.

They should just watch Jimmy Stewart in "The FBI Story" instead.

Good actors being directed by Clint Eastwood was enough to attract me and that's what I got, but overall this wasn't a particularly memorable film IMHO.

Leonardo DiCaprio was quite good, about as believable as he was playing Howard Hughes, portraying the complex, top G-man, but I could envision Philip Seymour Hoffman as anther casting choice.

I was just pleased to not have Sean Penn in this leading role.

So, not an especially enjoyable cinema experience IMO, except for me always appreciating good movie making, but I'd doubtless also feel similarly attracted to watch any well-crafted flick about the events at Penn State should one come to the screen.

I expect that with 10 nominations to be filled in the main categories now, some Oscar attention is available and deserved.

Anyone else seen it?

Your thoughts?

 

[Son of a Son]

While I won't rush out and see it again anytime soon, I enjoyed the film. Leo was great in the roll, and I think his boyish looks place him ahead of Hoffman because Hoover was incredibly young when he began the FBI. That said, the practical makeup effects used were absolutely spectacular! Probably the best I've ever seen.

It's one of those films that I can see myself watching on HBO because it's on.

 

[mcbrett]

I give the film 5 stars. This is not the best movie I have ever seen- but it is everything I want out of a movie- great acting with compelling characters. I had no interest in the FBI or Hoover- but the combination of Leo and Clint brought me to the movie- and I love most historical films.

And I realize I'm contradicting myself here- but as much as I appreciate character development, I felt like the sexuality of Hoover was a bit overplayed. His involvement with other national figures was a big interest of mine and that saw less screen time- or perhaps it wasn't considered as interesting by the producers and writers. The last 5 minutes of the film were incredible and brought everything together.