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J. Edgar (2011)

R  |   |  Biography, Crime, Drama  |  11 November 2011 (USA)
6.6
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Ratings: 6.6/10 from 95,317 users   Metascore: 59/100
Reviews: 272 user | 385 critic | 42 from Metacritic.com

J. Edgar Hoover, powerful head of the F.B.I. for nearly 50 years, looks back on his professional and personal life.

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Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 5 wins & 15 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Geoff Pierson ...
Cheryl Lawson ...
Palmer's Wife
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Palmer's Daughter
Brady Matthews ...
Inspector
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...
...
...
...
Head Secretary
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Edgar's Father
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...
Hoover as a Child
...
Labor Dept. Lawyer
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Storyline

Biopic of J. Edgar Hoover told by Hoover as he recalls his career for a biography. Early in his career, Hoover fixated on Communists, anarchists and any other revolutionary taking action against the U.S. government. He slowly builds the agency's reputation, becoming the sole arbiter of who gets hired and fired. One of his hires is Clyde Tolson who is quickly promoted to Assistant Director and would be Hoover's confidant and companion for the rest of Hoover's life. Hoover's memories have him playing a greater role in the many high profile cases the FBI was involved in - the Lindbergh baby kidnapping, the arrest of bank robbers like John Dillinger - and also show him to be quite adept at manipulating the various politicians he's worked with over his career, thanks in large part to his secret files. Written by garykmcd

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

The Most Powerful Man in the World

Genres:

Biography | Crime | Drama

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for brief strong language | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

11 November 2011 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Hoover  »

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$11,217,324 (USA) (11 November 2011)

Gross:

$37,304,950 (USA) (17 February 2012)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

| |

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Shipped to theaters under the code name "Lawman". See more »

Goofs

District of Columbia flags are displayed in congressional hearing rooms and in the Department of Justice building on various occasions. As these are federal buildings, the red and white DC flag would never be displayed in that manner. They are not District of Columbia offices, but federal offices. Moreover, the District of Columbia flag did not exist until 1938. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
J. Edgar Hoover: Let me tell you something. The SCLC has direct Communist ties. Even great men can be corrupted, can't they? Communism is not a political party. It is a disease. It corrupts the soul, turning men, even the gentlest of men, into vicious evil tyrants.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Episode #20.204 (2012) See more »

Soundtracks

Red Sails in the Sunset
Written by Jimmy Kennedy (as James Kennedy) and Will Grosz (as Hugh Williams)
Performed by Kyle Eastwood, Joe Bagg, Kye Palmer, Jason Harnell
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Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Eastwood's Most Under-appreciated Film
18 May 2012 | by See all my reviews

Clint Eastwood's boldness and creativity paid off in this excellent portrayal of J. Edgar Hoover's life. A project like that is not pulled off by just anyone, and the fact that a film like that was even made shows the importance of Clint Eastwood. His direction was marvelous, by the way, showing without fear the dark side of the FBI director, but also showing all the good aspects of this very interesting subject. Leonardo DiCaprio is another great reason to watch the film, in one of the most moving performances in his career. His portrayal of a Hoover both ruthless and emotionally vulnerable was superb, and he has excelled once again in studying the character. The make up must also be praised for allowing DiCaprio to portrayal Hoover in many different stages of his life. J. Edgar, if not Clint's best work, is a very interesting and moving film, and the fact that it is so under-appreciated is a mystery to me.


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