J. Edgar - Region 2 DVD

J. Edgar, as a movie, is sometimes a little too cautious for its own good, sidestepping one or two areas of its subject’s life. But in the title role, Leonardo DiCaprio is in excellent form. Sometimes weighed down by ageing make-up, but always able to hold the screen, it’s his central performance that’s the compelling reason to watch the movie. Judi Dench has less to work with as his mother, although Armie Hammer fares better as Clyde Tolson, the man who may or may not have been Hoover’s lover.

The disc release does dig into Hoover a little bit more, with a feature exploring the complexity of the man. At the very least, it serves as a starting point to find out more about one of the most fascinating people in modern American history. The film and disc certainly scratch the surface on him, and there’s plenty here to like and admire. They do leave you with a lot more to discover, though… --Jon Foster