Building America

A complicated man in complicated times...

There's no doubt that the life of J. Edgar Hoover is an interesting subject for a film. He was an important man among some of the most turbulent times in 20th century America. "J. Edgar," Clint Eastwood's newest film about the controversial figure provides a great history lesson, but fails to be a great piece of cinematic art.
"J. Edgar" stars the always reliable Leonardo DiCaprio. He plays the title character, a man who built the FBI from the ground up. We follow his life mostly through flashbacks as an elder J. Edgar tells the story of his rise to power. His ambition to make a better America is unquestioned; he does whatever it takes to protect it. However, doing so with such conviction and dedication meant he would inevitably ruffle a few feathers. J. Edgar was a difficult man to get along with and nearly impossible to love.
Ironically, that's exactly how this film felt when I watched it. Mostly everything in this film was on the surface. The many interesting ideas the film brought to the forefront were either poorly explored or ignored by the films end. For example, J. Edgar pursues means to defame and end the career of Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. The film hints at J. Edgar's obsession with King: he listens to a tape of one of King's affairs with an alleged white woman, only to be interrupted by a call that President John F. Kennedy had been shot. The film doesn't have a point to make about MLK's affair or J. Edgar's mysterious carnal reaction to it. J. Edgar views King as a potential communist radical and tries to force him out of the public's eye by slandering him with evidence of his adulterous acts. This sub-plot ends with King winning the Noble Peace Prize and J. Edgar, in frustration, turning off the television. Nothing more is said on the matter. This was a missed opportunity among many to explore some interesting subject material.
DiCaprio does some of his best work in this film. However, he is proving that he may never have the acting ability to be in the same league as Pacino, Denzel, Cruise, Day-Lewis, Brando, or even Morgan Freeman. DiCaprio, like Brad Pitt, still are the most talented average actors. DiCaprio's dedication to the role flows through the screen, however, his performance is never awe inspiring. I still think his best performance is in "Catch Me if You Can", where he seemed to finally embody a character which suited his lovable charm and wit. DiCaprio is at his best when he isn't yelling and pointing all of the time.
"J. Edgar" does provide a great glimpse of some tumultuous times in American history. I wish the film could have picked one subject to discuss and explore thoroughly instead of being overtly broad on many subjects. Most scenes work in the film and some are moderately effective. There are obvious lighting problems which makes everything look dull and uninteresting. The film never attempts to grab you, it's only telling you what happened. This story telling method only works on the History Channel, not in cinema.
Grade: C-

Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio are so terrific with one another it makes you wonder how much they are acting versus their real harbored feelings towards one another behind the scenes. The two may prove to be the best onscreen couple in the history of cinema; first with their critically acclaimed blockbuster mega-hit "Titanic" and second with 2008's "Revolutionary Road". The duo were in love in "Titanic". In this film, they are at each others throats. This is a film made for two heavyweight actors to go round for round with one another, all for our entertainment.
The two star as a married couple in the suburbs who cannot stand another second it or for the most part each other. DiCaprio cheats on his wife, yet loves her and his family. Winslet's character is going through the motions of a marriage and desperately wants to start over and move her family to Paris. The two spend the whole movie fighting each other desperately trying to save whatever is left of their dying marriage. We are on their roller coaster and we are left off feeling just as dazed and disoriented as they are.
The plot is solid but it has some elements that just don't work with the main theme of the movie. There are too many awkward scenes involving needy overbearing neighbors, pessimistic co-workers, and some guy who is only brought in only to stir up some trouble. Another problem with the film is that the dramatic conclusions our onscreen couple jump to are just too unrealistic and could be solved much more easily than what resolves in the film. But the this movie is all about DiCaprio and Winslet's stellar performances.
"Revolutionary Road" shines when DiCaprio and Winslet are on screen...together. We go through all the motions of their marriage (mostly anger and sadness) as it self destructs before our very eyes. They both deserved the accolades they got for this film as they are both truly spectacular and surprisingly raw. I'm sure something is/has been going on off camera between these two actors because of the level of what each actor will allow the other to do emotionally (and physically) is very unique in the realm of Hollywood films. They are that good together. See this film for their performances.
Grade: B-