J. Edgar

If nothing else, ‘J. Edgar’ serves as a wonderful history lesson, bringing the audience through several decades of the 20^th Century, and bringing us into the world of J. Edgar Hoover and his days as the head of the FBI. This exceptional biopic travels back and forth between Hoover’s work, and his private life. Raised by a mother with some seriously intense standards (Judi Dench), Edgar learns to be a hard worker and suppress his inner desires. His work brought him both acclaim and criticism, but his creation of the centralized fingerprint file helped solidify him as one of the most respected names in government law enforcement. Though the film follows several events, including the missing Lindbergh baby and the days of the gangsters and public enemies, we are also introduced to Clyde Tolson played by Arnie Hammer, who works for Edgar and the two form a lifelong bond that neither ever mention, nor do they need to. With incredible aging makeup, a well-written script, two exceptionally talented actors, and the direction of Clint Eastwood, the film truly emerges as one of the year’s best. 7 out of 10 stars.