J. Edgar
2011 · Movie · R · 137 min · ★ 6.2 · 52% critics
A powerful public figure shapes American law enforcement for decades, earning both admiration and fear. As his influence grows, he works to build a modern investigative agency while guarding a private life and personal vulnerabilities that could threaten everything he has built.
Also known as Hoover · J Edgar
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Details
- Years
- 2011
- Release date
- 2011-11-09
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 137 min
- Critic score
- 52/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.2/10 (2,588 votes)
- Box office
- $84,600,000
- Budget
- $35,000,000
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a serious, talky biopic about power, reputation, and private pressure, in the vein of Kill the Messenger; Not for you if you need fast pacing or clear, linear storytelling.
Pros: strong lead performance; intriguing historical subject; solid supporting cast | Cons: slow, uneven pacing; long runtime; confusing time jumps
Themes
- fbi
- biography
- historical figure
- lgbt
- gay theme
Awards & recognition
- National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
- GLAAD Media Award — Outstanding Film – Wide Release · 2012 · nominated
- Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role · 2012 · nominated
- Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role · 2012 · nominated
- AACTA International Award — Best Actor · 2011 · nominated
Show all 8 awards →
- Broadcast Film Critics Association Award — Best Makeup · 2011 · nominated
- Critics' Choice Movie Award — Best Actor · 2011 · nominated
- Golden Globe Award — Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama · 2011 · nominated
Cast & crew
Leonardo DiCaprio
as John Edgar Hoover
Armie Hammer
as Clyde Tolson
Naomi Watts
as Helen Gandy
Josh Lucas
as Charles Lindbergh
Josh Hamilton
as Robert Irwin
Judi Dench
as Anna Marie Hoover
Geoff Pierson
as Mitchell Palmer
Gunner Wright
as Dwight Eisenhower
Dermot Mulroney
as Colonel Schwarzkopf
Kaitlyn Dever
as Palmer's Daughter
Directed by Clint Eastwood