IMDb 6.5 2011 HD

J. Edgar

J. Edgar

2011
Crime Drama History
137 min R USA
6.224 / 10
6.5 IMDB

As the face of law enforcement in the United States for almost 50 years, J. Edgar Hoover was feared and admired, reviled and revered. But behind closed doors,…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Clint Eastwood / David M. Bernstein
Starring
Leonardo DiCaprio / Armie Hammer / Naomi Watts / Josh Lucas / Josh Hamilton / Judi Dench / Geoff Pierson / Gunner Wright

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

compelling intense historical complex private powerful secretive biographical dramatic uneven thoughtful guarded

Reviews

I
Isabelle Moreau
Apr 28, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Leonardo DiCaprio anchors 'J. Edgar' with an intense performance that grapples with the complexities of the infamous FBI director. The film navigates Hoover's long career, hinting at the personal secrets that shaped his life and career. The tone…

A
Arthur Pendelton
Apr 28, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

'J. Edgar' is a meticulously crafted examination of a man who was both architect and prisoner of his own legend. Leonardo DiCaprio's performance is a tour de force, capturing Hoover's steely resolve and his hidden vulnerabilities with remarkable…

G
Genevieve Dubois
Apr 28, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

This biographical drama tackles the monumental figure of J. Edgar Hoover, with Leonardo DiCaprio giving a dedicated portrayal of the man. The film sets out to reveal the hidden facets of Hoover's persona, suggesting a life lived under…

M
Marcus Bellweather
Apr 28, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Clint Eastwood's steady hand is subtly felt, even if his name isn't attached to direction here, in this ambitious portrait of J. Edgar Hoover. Leonardo DiCaprio is nothing short of masterful, embodying the complex, driven, and deeply guarded…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 28, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a commanding performance as the enigmatic J. Edgar Hoover, a man who shaped American law enforcement for half a century. The film attempts to peel back the layers of this formidable figure, exploring the secrets…

FAQs

'J. Edgar' explores several potent themes, primarily focusing on the duality of public versus private life and the corrosive nature of secrets. It delves into the immense power wielded by individuals in positions of authority and the ethical compromises that can accompany it. The film also touches upon ambition, legacy, control, and the often-tenuous line between dedication to duty and personal obsession. The complexities of identity and the burden of maintaining a carefully constructed image are also central.