Clint Eastwood’s J. Edgar explores the life of one of the most powerful, controversial and enigmatic figures of the 20th century. As the face of law enforcement in America for almost fifty years, J. Edgar Hoover (Leonardo DiCaprio) was feared and admired, reviled and revered. But behind closed doors he held secrets that would have destroyed his image, career and his life. A complex man, Hoover’s private struggles resulted in an unquenchable thirst for power.

Eastwood and screenwriter Dustin Lance Black (Milk) begin the story in 1919, when the young Hoover, employed by the Justice Department, arrives at the aftermath of the bombing of his boss’s house. From this pivotal moment, J. Edgar traces his career, from the creation of the FBI to his unwavering hold over its directorship. Along the way we see Hoover’s successes, failures, and phobias. Controlled by his mother (Judi Dench) and afraid of his own sexuality, he was a man who longed for companionship. He found it in the form of Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer), his closest colleague and lover.

Eastwood is at his strongest as a director when shining a compassionate light onto the human frailty of his characters. To garner a sense of sympathy for one of the most controversial men in American law enforcement is quite an achievement, which surely deserves an Oscar nod.