J. Edgar - 2011

Imagine Entertainment, Malpaso Productions, Wintergreen Productions

Directed by Clint Eastwood

Cast:

• J. Edgar Hoover – Leonardo DiCaprio
• Helen Gandy – Naomi Watts
• Anna Marie Hoover – Judi Dench
• Robert Kennedy – Jeffrey Donovan
• Clyde Tolson – Armie Hammer

Story:In this frank and sometimes dark expose, Clint Eastwood directs a formidable cast in the biography of John Edgar Hoover, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. For forty eight years, he was the undisputed power behind the power, the man who supposedly had files on everyone and knew everyone's secrets. This film explores the possible personal life and circumstances of the man, and shows J. Edgar Hoover as a man with many forces pulling on his life. He was a troubled man, to be sure, a man whose personal life was dominated by his mother, Anna Marie, and his sense of patriotism and commitment to making Americans safe. The film explores his relationships with his mother, his long-time assistant director and companion, Clyde Tolson, and his ever vigilant and loyal Secretary, Helen Gandy. Throughout the film, we are given glimpses of his actions which may or may not have been prompted by his sense of duty to the country, and we are ultimately left to decide for ourselves who J. Edgar Hoover really was.

Review: This film reveals not only the persona of J. Edgar, but of Clint Eastwood as well. As in all of his recent films, we are not offered a conclusion. We are instead given a set of facts, circumstances, and theories, and left to decide the matter for ourselves. The film itself is well presented and the cast is nothing short of formidable. Leonardo DiCaprio creates the impression of growth and personality, showing us the changes from Hoover's past and how they are influenced by his mother and his friends, which are few. The allusion of homosexuality is dealt with in a tasteful and sensitive manner, and again allows us to draw our own conclusions concerning his relationship with his assistant director and companion, Clyde Tolson. Armie Hammer plays his role with sensitivity and passion, as does Naomi Watts. As Helen Gandy, her obvious devotion to Hoover is clear. The remaining cast is incidental, although Jeffrey Donovan gives us another glimpse into his abilities with a flawless performance as Robert Kennedy. At the end, I am left with the impression that Hoover's life was sad and personally unfulfilled, but you'll have to see it yourself to draw your own conclusions. Rated R for subject matter and language, this film is collectible for lovers of Eastwood films, and anyone who enjoys a serious biography.

In The Line Of Fire - 1993

Columbia Pictures Corporation, Castle Rock Entertainment

Directed by Wolfgang Petersen

Cast:

• Frank Horrigan – Clint Eastwood
• Mitch Leary – John Malkovich
• Lilly Raines – Rene Russo
• Al D'Andrea – Dylan McDermott
• Bill Watts – Gary Cole
• Harry Sargent – Fred Dalton Thompson
• Sam Campagna – John Mahoney

Story: An aging secret service agent is investigating a reported threat against the President when he stumbles on to a guy who is actually plotting to kill him. “Booth” is a sinister sort who recognizes Frank Horrigan as the last remaining Secret Service agent from the Kennedy era, the man who was standing behind the car when Kennedy was shot. The Secret Service takes all the right steps to capture “Booth”, but he is always just a few steps ahead of them. He plays a cat and mouse game with Frank, calling him, talking about how, even telling him where the assassination will take place. Frank risks everything, including his life several times, to prevent the assassination from happening, but is it enough?

Review: To date, this is the last film Clint has starred in that was not directed by him. But if you're going to work with the best, why not work with Petersen? That logic appears to be sound, as this film is one of the more seamless dramas Eastwood has done. Everything fits, from the opening scenes as an undercover agent to relationship with John Mahoney to the interaction with John Malkovich. The love relationship between him and Rene Russo is neither forced nor overly romantic, but the feeling blends perfectly into the resolution of the film. Fred Dalton Thompson is not stranger to political roles, but might have played this one with a little more panache. Overall, this film is well-written and directed, plays well to the adult audience, and leaves a favorable impression, like going to a good restaurant on a night when the chef has gone all out. You leave satisfied, and plan to come back again. Rated R for violence and language, this film is not for the pre-teens, and while the teens would not be shocked at the violence, they probably won't want to watch a bunch of “old people” for 128 minutes. Their loss is our gain. Collectible for the Eastwood fans, and anyone who enjoys a good suspense film.