In Clint Eastwood's latest film, "J. Edgar," Leonardo DiCaprio renders a stellar portrait of the F.B.I. boss.

As he is wont to do, Eastwood makes a film that takes its own sweet time in telling the story, but this isn't about Eastwood's directorial prowess. This is about how DiCaprio has officially shrugged of the image of "Titanic" poster boy and delivered a performance that is more than Oscar-buzz worthy.

The 37-year-old actor plays both J. Edgar Hoover in his prime and the older version in heavy makeup. DiCaprio makes the audience feel sympathy and compassion for a man whose deeds have been controversial, to say the least.

He becomes the man who built his career with a well-stocked arsenal of secrets that are just as deadly as his bullets. It would also be fair to say that these secrets aren't always directed to his detractors, as the most damning are his own.

Deftly jumping between Hoover's public and private life, Eastwood ties the tale effortlessly and the result is a look into the man's life that is as complete as it can ever be. Armie Hammer, who played both of the Winklevoss twins in "The Social Network," is also noteworthy in his role as Clyde Tolson, Hoover's deputy and longtime professional partner.

The relationship between the two men comes late in the film, but make no mistake, this is the side of Hoover that people have been speculating about for decades. As the two work and vacation together, one doesn't miss the connection between them; had they lived in this decade, they would've put the portmanteau, "bromance," to shame.

"J. Edgar Hoover" will be release Nov. 11 in the U.S. while the rest of the world will have to wait for early 2012 to see the movie.