'J. Edgar' Q&A: Leonardo DiCaprio

This story originally appeared in the Nov. 11 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine.

our editor recommends

'J. Edgar' Q&A: Clint Eastwood

Leonardo DiCaprio Talks J. Edgar Hoover's Homosexuality; Slashed Fee 90 Percent for Clint Eastwood

How Makeup Transformed Leonardo DiCaprio Into 'J. Edgar'

What drew you to Hoover?

How incredibly mysterious he was. The more I researched, the more intrigued I became. I don't think you could ever know everything about him, but I felt I understood what drove him.

Which was what?

His mother. She was this really intense stage mom who wanted her son to have great glory. He lived with her until he was 40 years old; his father wasn't present in a major way and was mentally ill toward the end of his life -- I think he was manic depressive and unable to really function. Even when Hoover was under great criticism, she was always there to be his guiding force.

Who gave you the most insight into Hoover?

The only remaining man that worked with him, [former FBI deputy director] Deke DeLoach. I spent a day with him. I wanted to know what kind of personality [Hoover] had on a social level, how he held his hands, how he would fly at people, how he conducted his work at the office -- all those minute details that only somebody who knew him for a long time could answer.

Did you reach any conclusions about his sexuality?

No one knows the answer. What this film is trying to portray is that, whatever he felt, he was not able to live out his personal life in a way that allowed him to love and be loved. But what you cannot doubt is that Clyde Tolson and he had a relationship that spanned most of their life; they lived with each other, had lunch and dinner, and [Hoover] left everything to Clyde. Unarguably, they were partners in some sense.

Did you grow to like Hoover?

I think he started off with good intentions, but I completely disagree with a lot of his tactics. I grew to have more respect for him and what he did; but like him? I don't think I liked what I understood of him, his ideals or beliefs.

What about Clint?

He was fantastic; he always knew what he wanted and always gave you an honest direction. The man really trusts his own instincts as a director more than most people I've worked with. He reacts from his gut -- he either likes what you do or doesn't and tells you straight away, and you make adjustments on the spot.

Titanic is about to be released in 3D. Have you seen it?

I haven't seen the 3D [version] at all yet; I am scheduled to -- I hear it's going to be fantastic. Jim [Cameron] called me personally to tell me this was going to happen. I said, "Cool! I can't wait." There's nobody who can do it better.