Eastwood’s ‘J. Edgar’ engrosses with poignant drama

We know Martin Luther King Jr., but fewer of us recognize the name of J. Edgar Hoover, the first director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the dirt that he had on King.

Hoover, the focus of Clint Eastwood's biographical drama "J. Edgar," had more than a few secrets to share about celebrities and political figures.

His willingness to divulge them contributed to his controversial legacy, and "J. Edgar" recollects the late director's rise in power to probe the spectrum between heroism and villainy.

No matter where you decide Hoover should land, at least two facts about the man are evident: He possessed a brilliant mind that revolutionized a flawed criminal justice system and he knew how to recognize a true friend.

"J. Edgar" explores Hoover's friendships with secretary Helen Gandy (Naomi Watts) and associate director Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer), both of which lasted throughout his life – and after, as evidenced when Nixon seeks to secure Hoover's files.

Balding and sporting a considerable paunch, Leonardo DiCaprio is almost unrecognizable as an aged Hoover, who recounts his experiences with political radicals in the Palmer Raids and onward.

At first, "J. Edgar" feels like a history lesson and risks losing its audience, but Tolson's introduction adds much-needed tension and tenderness.

Rumors have alleged that Hoover was gay, although forcibly closeted because of an unforgiving society and mother, and that Tolson was his lover.

"J. Edgar" proposes the rumor has merit. Through furtive glances and gestures, DiCaprio and Hammer play out a mutual attraction that they both know can never be.

Because you are in on the secret, these scenes are painful to watch. The pain of the situation, where men are not allowed to be themselves for fear of public scrutiny, is palpable.

Sadly, "J. Edgar" is not the type of movie that 20-somethings flock to see simply because of its subject matter and style.

It lacks gratuitous violence and sex, overused tricks to boost box office sales. Without relying upon either, Eastwood offers a simply a complex, touching story that requests for us to think and feel again. Accept the invitation.