But the crux of the film speculates about Hoover’s intense relationship with Tolson and the innuendo that the two were more than just friends. The exact nature of this relationship, as well as Hoover’s sexuality (did he actually cross-dress) cannot be proven at this point in time. DiCaprio is masterfully convincing in his scenes as Hoover and is able to maneuver through the dynamics between both the younger and elder G-Man. With little officially documented about Hoover’s personal life, it is a tricky line he is charged with walking, portraying a darker, intimate side of a man many loathed. Screenwriter Black used as many first person accounts of Hoover’s personal life as he could, but with little on file – except for hints and clues that were uncovered from misfiled documents from his time at the FBI, much is left to innuendo and imagination. A stellar cast helps provide a rich depth of characters. Judi Dench is immaculate as Hoover’s hovering mother, who saw to it her son led the life she had mapped out for him with little other distraction. Naomi Watts is fine as his secretary, loyal to the end and beyond, and Arnie Hammer pulls off the charming Tolson, who is portrayed as a man comfortable living in the shadows of his close friend. Eastwood’s characteristic pursuit of detail is evident in every scene, from the immaculate make-up for DiCaprio’s Hoover, to set pieces and props. His inimitable filmmaking style hones well with the revisionist take on Black’s script. The result is an intricate piece of storytelling that is both entertaining and darkly compelling. MPAA rating R.The runtime is 2:17