To celebrate the release of Clint Eastwood’s highly anticipated new film J Edgar in cinemas on 20 January, the New Statesman is offering one lucky reader the chance to win two tickets to an exclusive preview screening of the film on 10 January.
J Edgar Hoover would rise to be the most powerful man in America. As head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for nearly 50 years, he stopped at nothing to protect his country. Through eight presidents and three wars, Hoover waged battle against threats both real and perceived, often bending the rules to keep his countrymen safe. His methods were at once ruthless and heroic, with the admiration of the world his most coveted, if ever elusive, prize.
Hoover was a man who placed great value on secrets-particularly those of others-and was not afraid to use that information to exert authority over the leading figures in the nation. Understanding that knowledge is power and fear poses opportunity, he used both to gain unprecedented influence and to build a reputation that was both formidable and untouchable.
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He was as guarded in his private life as he was in his public one, allowing only a small and protective inner circle into his confidence. His closest colleague, Clyde Tolson, was also his constant companion. His secretary, Helen Gandy, who was perhaps most privy to Hoover’s designs, remained loyal to the end, and beyond. Only Hoover’s mother, who served as his inspiration and his conscience, would leave him, her passing truly crushing to the son who forever sought her love and approval.
As seen through the eyes of Hoover himself, J Edgar explores the personal and public life and relationships of a man who could distort the truth as easily as he upheld it during a life devoted to his own idea of justice, often swayed by the darker side of power.
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Oscar® winner Clint Eastwood (Gran Torino, Million Dollar Baby, Unforgiven) directed the film from a screenplay by Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black (Milk). Academy Award® nominee Leonardo DiCaprio (Inception, Blood Diamond) stars in the title role. J. Edgar also stars Academy Award nominee Naomi Watts (21 Grams) as Helen Gandy, Hoover’s longtime secretary; Armie Hammer (The Social Network) as Hoover’s protégé Clyde Tolson; Josh Lucas (The Lincoln Lawyer) as the legendary aviator Charles Lindbergh, whose son’s kidnapping changes the public profile of the F.B.I.; and Oscar® winner Judi Dench (Shakespeare in Love) as Hoover’s over-protective mother, Anne Marie Hoover.
For your chance of winning this prize, answer this simple question:
In J Edgar, this three-time Academy Award® nominee stars as J Edgar Hoover. He is known for his leading role as Jack Dawson in Titantic and most recently starred in the Christopher Nolan blockbuster Inception. Name the actor.
A) Leonardo DiCaprio
B) Christian Bale
C) Matt Damon
Email your answer to alice.gribbin@newstatesman.co.uk
Entries close at 5pm on 9 January.
J Edgar will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.
J Edgar is released in UK cinemas on 2OTH JANUARY. For more information visit the official UK website- www.jedgarmovie.co.uk
© 2011 Warner Bros. Ent. All Rights Reserved
Terms and Conditions
– Competition open to UK residents only
– Prize does not include accommodation or travel
– Preview screening will take place at Warner Brothers offices (Warner House, 98 Theobald’s Road, London, WC1X 8WB) on 10 January at 7pm