This film has been receiving quite a bit of mixed reviews that I thought I would throw my hat into the ring and explore my own views and experience on what I thought of this film. Well, I loved it! This is my favorite non-animated film this year and I am saddened that there were a good number of people who did not share my movie going experience, but to each his own I suppose.
Leonardo DiCaprio really busts out his acting chops in this film, decorated with Eastwood goodies, supported by a strong cast including Armie Hammer, Naomi Watts, and Judi Dench. His depiction of Hoover was nothing short of miraculous, from young to old, he really captured the mysterious and powerful essence that was this iconic figure in American History. Being narrated by Hoover himself, it is very interesting to see how the elements he dictated to the scribe became exaggerated and embellished, while moments that were being remembered or recollected were deeper and in some cases, darker and in others intimate.
Eastwood's use of camera tricks and pacing were well placed. One distinct element was the use of camera style coloring and lighting to help assist with the various time periods, from a more sepia inspired younger Hoover to a more colorful, yet faded older Hoover. I also loved how the film paced back and forth (one moment comes to mind when they enter the elevator old, and leave it young in a flashback). His simplistic composition really added to the sadness and dramatic elements of the film.
Though I won't say that other's criticisms were necessarily wrong, I will say that I disagreed with many of them. Though I understand much of the make-up critiques, example, DiCaprio reminding me a lot of Jon Voight and Hammar a little like the Six Flags dancing old guy, it did not detract me from the film at all. I can very much see many aspects of the film being at the very least nominated, though sadly I don't think there are enough people who care for the film to see it win many of them.
Being as it may, I had no complaints about the film and left feeling very satisfied and recommended it to everyone who asked me about it, though they may not share my admiration.
Leonardo DiCaprio really busts out his acting chops in this film, decorated with Eastwood goodies, supported by a strong cast including Armie Hammer, Naomi Watts, and Judi Dench. His depiction of Hoover was nothing short of miraculous, from young to old, he really captured the mysterious and powerful essence that was this iconic figure in American History. Being narrated by Hoover himself, it is very interesting to see how the elements he dictated to the scribe became exaggerated and embellished, while moments that were being remembered or recollected were deeper and in some cases, darker and in others intimate.
Eastwood's use of camera tricks and pacing were well placed. One distinct element was the use of camera style coloring and lighting to help assist with the various time periods, from a more sepia inspired younger Hoover to a more colorful, yet faded older Hoover. I also loved how the film paced back and forth (one moment comes to mind when they enter the elevator old, and leave it young in a flashback). His simplistic composition really added to the sadness and dramatic elements of the film.
Though I won't say that other's criticisms were necessarily wrong, I will say that I disagreed with many of them. Though I understand much of the make-up critiques, example, DiCaprio reminding me a lot of Jon Voight and Hammar a little like the Six Flags dancing old guy, it did not detract me from the film at all. I can very much see many aspects of the film being at the very least nominated, though sadly I don't think there are enough people who care for the film to see it win many of them.
Being as it may, I had no complaints about the film and left feeling very satisfied and recommended it to everyone who asked me about it, though they may not share my admiration.
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