Andrew Warne investigates J. EDGAR, a biopic about the first Head of the FBI - J. Edgar Hoover.

Leonardo DiCaprio portrays this intriguing man under the precise direction of Clint Eastwood. And even though it doesn't paint a necessarily pretty picture of Hoover (or of an aging Leonardo!) it is a fascinating, and slightly unsettling, insight into the power and corruption that is prevalent in these official institutions.
But despite this Hoover did leave a remarkable legacy, that of the FBI. He dedicated 50 years of his life to setting up the Bureau and developed many of the investigative techinques and forensic practices that we take for granted today, including finger printing.   

Leonardo DiCaprio talks of lure of playing a man who spent his whole life infiltrating the lives of others while protecting the privacy of his own, with rumours of his questioned sexuality with his 'number two man' Clyde Tolson. Even though there was never any proof of their relationship, the film is unambigious about what its preference is.

Once again DiCaprio fully inhabits this character and woes Andrew with his knowledge of both Hoover and American political history. Armie Hammer, who played (both) twins in 'The Social Network' backs him up with an equally superb performance as Tolson, as does Australia's Naomie Watts who plays Hoover's personal assistant Helen Gandy.

Watts marvels at the loyalty of this woman, who was Hoover's secretary until the day he died, shredding  files, turning a blind eye and keeping all his wrong doings underwraps. Even 5 years following Hoover's death, when she had nothing to lose or lives to destroy, her testimony still (incorrectly) claimed nothing unethical took place in the offices of J. Edgar Hoover. 

If you can get past the questionable make up of all three actors aging into their twilight years, this really is a very interesting observation of one of America's most powerful lawmen.   

Dr. George Miller won an Oscar for Best Animated Film for the original HAPPY FEET and as the film went on to become a worldwide phenomenon it was somewhat inevitable that a sequel would emerge. So the tap dancers in their natural tuxedos are back, as are so many of the voice talent.

I have to say over the many years of interviewing actors, one of the most consistently entertaining and hysterically funny is Robin Williams. I do not remember an interview with him that has not left me crying with laughter. Watch the comedian describe the return of the 'Latin Lover' Ramon, and how the addition of a new animal, a Puffin, brought a little sexual confusion to the proceedings.

Then listen to George Miller relate how the themes of the sequel have changed with the world around them, and his inability to explain his remarkable career from MD to MAD MAX and Animated Gold.