J. Edgar

A truly spectacular biographic story told using a talented ensemble of actors as the story of the rise of the FBI through J Edgar Hoover is untold.

The movie is told in non linear form, where the opening scenes show an aged J Edgar (Leonardo DiCaprio) as he dictates what we the audience assume to be a biography to a writer (Ed Westwick). We are then  transported to a much earlier time in Hoovers life and learn how he advances upwards in the ranks of the FBI and changed their work ethic for the good.

Being at the top doesn't leave a lot of time for socialising, not that Hoover minded, he was happy with the two women he trusted the most in his life. His mother Anna Marie (Judi Dench) who was his personal cheerleader as she always encouraged him and insisted he could do anything he wanted if he just put his mind to it. Also secretary Helen Gandy (Naomi Watts) who after a few dates decided that they were better off as friends, that and if they were involved it would be a lot more conflicting for her to help him get rid of some of the unwanted baggage the job came with.

Though Hoover was doing a great job at the top on his own, he later adopts an assistant to help pick up any slack. Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer), a law graduate who is only looking to be part of the bureau on a temporary basis, is the lucky individual and as time progresses it's undeniable they work like a well oiled machine together.

The story pitches back and forth between the past, the present and the continuation of the latter as we learn what it costs to be at the top and stay there as J Edgar Hoover out lasts five presidents in his position as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations from 1935 to 1972.

The movie does start off a little confusing and the use of a range of people Hoover has writing his biography also baffles me. And that we couldnt have seen more of one Ed Westwick. Other than that this movie has few faults and is ultimately a well told tale.