Screenwriter Dustin Lance and actor Arnie Hammer include Hoover's sexuality

IanGallagher · May 12, 2011

No de-gaying of J.Edgar Hoover

This should clear up earlier misconceptions from what Eastwood said, I tried a post this on the other forum but it seems to have been 'overlooked' - the film will delve into J. Edgar Hoover's sexuality and relationship with Tolson. Below are two articles with the screenwriter and actor Arnie Hammer about 'J. Edgar's' LGBT content:

Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black ('Milk') emphasizes, "If you know me, and you know me well, I don’t shy away from these sorts of things. I would say if you’re concerned with the (Clint Eastwood's) answer, the first thing is to look at is what the question was. The question to me was really interesting actually because it did what people used to do to gay men back in the 30s and 40s, all the way to the 70s really, which is to lump together being gay and being a cross-dresser. It didn’t use any of the contemporary language, but it said 'was he a cross dresser and gay.' And that was a homophobic assumption back then and a not very savvy look at human sexuality and Clint is much smarter than that when it comes to human sexuality. And I think he didn’t want to get stuck in a false debate."

Asked if he and Eastwood have discussed how the movie will handle Hoover's sexuality and if he's comfortable that they are in agreement about that aspect, Black says, "[We've discussed it] as much as every other part of the screenplay. Yes, very comfortable."

Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black Says No De-Gaying Hoover Movie | Afterelton.com
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Until now, it wasn't clear how explicitly the relationship would be hinted at in the film, but Hammer has spoken to E! Online and revealed some details.

The actor said: "It's not a kissing scene. It's a ton of kissing scenes. I actually just met [DiCaprio] for the first time Saturday at the DGA Awards."

"He's a talented actor. I'm not nervous or afraid of it being awkward. The script is great. The scenes are in there for a reason."

Armie Hammer talks kissing Leonardo DiCaprio in J. Edgar | TotalFilm.com
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To anyone looking for the script mentioned in the After Elton interview, private message me and I can send it your way as soon as I get it. Which should be cool, since the screenwriter 'more-or-less' told us it's out there so we can see those scenes for ourselves.

Revan · May 12, 2011

This makes me happy to hear.

Screenwriter Dustin Lance and actor Arnie Hammer include Hoover's sexuality

IanGallagher
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Screenwriter Dustin Lance and actor Arnie Hammer include Hoover's sexuality

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