What an undisciplined, run-on, sprawling grab-bag of a movie this is.
To take up a cinematic portrayal of such a divisive figure is a fool's errand in the first place. To some Hoover was a hero who brought forensic science to the FBI and professionalized it; to others he was a racist megalomaniac besotted with his own power. To an extent, both views are true but to try to unify them into a coherent production is a huge challenge. "Patton" succeeded cinematically in portraying both sides of a controversial leader, but "J. Edgar" does not reach that level.
First off, the movie is too long; it feels longer than its two hour 17 minute length, because it does not sustain a forward-moving, propulsive dramatic line. There is simply too much jumping around, and flashbacks are used excessively. Also I do not understand the excessive preoccupation with the Lindbergh kidnapping case. After a while one just says enough already. More time could have been spent on the FBI's work on organized crime and on fighting the Ku Klux Klan.
There were many points at which I was tempted to throw in the towel, but I stuck with it to the end to see how the movie would resolve itself. I can't it did so in a satisfying fashion.
To take up a cinematic portrayal of such a divisive figure is a fool's errand in the first place. To some Hoover was a hero who brought forensic science to the FBI and professionalized it; to others he was a racist megalomaniac besotted with his own power. To an extent, both views are true but to try to unify them into a coherent production is a huge challenge. "Patton" succeeded cinematically in portraying both sides of a controversial leader, but "J. Edgar" does not reach that level.
First off, the movie is too long; it feels longer than its two hour 17 minute length, because it does not sustain a forward-moving, propulsive dramatic line. There is simply too much jumping around, and flashbacks are used excessively. Also I do not understand the excessive preoccupation with the Lindbergh kidnapping case. After a while one just says enough already. More time could have been spent on the FBI's work on organized crime and on fighting the Ku Klux Klan.
There were many points at which I was tempted to throw in the towel, but I stuck with it to the end to see how the movie would resolve itself. I can't it did so in a satisfying fashion.