Leonardo DiCaprio, an actor no stranger to biopics (having portrayed author Jim Carroll in The Basketball diaries, billionaire Howard Hughes in The Aviator and con man Frank Abagnale Jr. in Catch Me if You Can) is said to be in early talks to play the role of J Edgar Hoover in a new film directed by Clint Eastwood.
The film has also attracted the writing talents of Dustin Lance Black , who penned the Milk screenplay. This trio would make a powerful cinematic force if all the elements come to fruition.
J. Edgar Hoover was the controversial political figure who started the FBI in the 1930's and continued to reign over it until his death in 1972. Everything from his personal life to his tactics has been debated, and he continues to be an infamous character in American politics.
Unlike most other biopics, DiCaprio would not have to be made to age in the film, since it is said to focus around the early 30's only, when Hoover was starting the agency. DiCaprio, an actor whose talents have oftentimes exceeded the recognition he deserves for them (nominated for numerous Oscars but yet to win any), may finally be able to execute an award-winning role.
The film should be put into production a bit later this year at Warner Brothers studios. This is not the first film to chronicle Hoover's life- Billy Crudup played him in Public Enemies and Bob Hoskins played him in the movie Nixon.
