J. Edgar is a biographical drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and written by Dustin Lance Black. The movie explores the life of J. Edgar Hoover, who served as the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) from 1935 until his death in 1972.
Leonardo DiCaprio stars in the titular role of J. Edgar Hoover, and the movie follows his rise to power in the FBI, his controversial tactics, and the secrets he kept about his personal life. The film also features Armie Hammer as Clyde Tolson, Hoover's right-hand man and rumored lover, and Naomi Watts as Helen Gandy, Hoover's loyal personal secretary.
Throughout the film, audiences see Hoover's obsession with surveillance, wiretapping, and the investigation of political figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and the Kennedy brothers. The movie also delves into Hoover's personal life, including his close relationship with Tolson and his dysfunctional relationship with his domineering mother.
J. Edgar received mixed reviews from critics, but DiCaprio's performance was widely praised, earning him a Golden Globe nomination. The film was also nominated for Best Makeup at the Academy Awards. Overall, J. Edgar provides a deep look into one of America's most controversial figures and the secrets he held until the grave.