The Aviator
3/4
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, John C. Reilly, Matt Ross, Kate Beckinsale, Alan Alda, Alec Baldwin
Rated PG-13 for Thematic Elements, Sexual Content, Nudity, Language and a Crash Sequence
Howard Hughes was someone who saw something he wanted and went for it. It was probably because he was an outsider that allowed him to be that way. When one of his advisers told him that something wasn't possible, he really didn't understand the difficulty of doing what he wanted. Money was no object either, since he was incredibly wealthy. Hughes wanted it all, and got it all.
Martin Scorcese's biopic of Howard Hughes begins when during filming of his classic film "Hell's Angels." He's trying to direct a massive air battle, but it's not coming together. When he hires a scientist named Professor Fitz (Ian Holm) to help him find clouds, he finishes the picture and it becomes a massive hit. A Hollywood rebel, Hughes continues to make pictures until his interest goes into making planes. That leads to problems of its own, including a Senate hearing and a crash that leaves him disfigured. But as his success increases, cracks begin to show in his mind, culminating in a massive breakdown that leaves him confined to a room in his office.
As is the case with Martin Scorcese films, the performances are terrific. Leonardo DiCaprio essentially replaced Robert DeNiro as the director's favorite leading man with "Gangs of New York." This isn't as strong of a film as the 2001 epic, but DiCaprio's performance is better. DiCaprio buries himself in the role, creating a Howard Hughes that worth caring about. We understand how his mind works and he quickly wins our sympathy. The film is stolen from him by Cate Blanchett, who rightfully won an Oscar playing the fiery and feisty Katherine Hepburn. Visually, she looks similar to the legendary actress, but her mannerisms and personality are a dead ringer. It's uncanny how convincing she is. John C. Reilly and Matt Ross provide solid support as two of Hughes's workers. Alec Baldwin is effective as Juan Tripp, the owner of PanAm, Hughes's rival. Special mention has to go to Alan Alda, who is perfectly sleazy as Senator Brewster (who is in Tripp's pocket).
This is very effective piece of directorial work by Martin Scorcese (can we expect anything less?). His use of changing color tones as time goes by is unique, and he gives a thorough look inside Hughes's life. Too thorough, in fact. At nearly 3 hours, the film is too long. Scorcese and his screenwriter John Logan have tried to cram too much into the film. It's more like a step-by-step guide of Howard Hughes life. Some parts should have been eliminated and others explored more thoroughly to make the film more effective.
Nevertheless, the film is strongly acted and always interesting. I think it's worth seeing if you're interested in it.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, John C. Reilly, Matt Ross, Kate Beckinsale, Alan Alda, Alec Baldwin
Rated PG-13 for Thematic Elements, Sexual Content, Nudity, Language and a Crash Sequence
Howard Hughes was someone who saw something he wanted and went for it. It was probably because he was an outsider that allowed him to be that way. When one of his advisers told him that something wasn't possible, he really didn't understand the difficulty of doing what he wanted. Money was no object either, since he was incredibly wealthy. Hughes wanted it all, and got it all.
Martin Scorcese's biopic of Howard Hughes begins when during filming of his classic film "Hell's Angels." He's trying to direct a massive air battle, but it's not coming together. When he hires a scientist named Professor Fitz (Ian Holm) to help him find clouds, he finishes the picture and it becomes a massive hit. A Hollywood rebel, Hughes continues to make pictures until his interest goes into making planes. That leads to problems of its own, including a Senate hearing and a crash that leaves him disfigured. But as his success increases, cracks begin to show in his mind, culminating in a massive breakdown that leaves him confined to a room in his office.
As is the case with Martin Scorcese films, the performances are terrific. Leonardo DiCaprio essentially replaced Robert DeNiro as the director's favorite leading man with "Gangs of New York." This isn't as strong of a film as the 2001 epic, but DiCaprio's performance is better. DiCaprio buries himself in the role, creating a Howard Hughes that worth caring about. We understand how his mind works and he quickly wins our sympathy. The film is stolen from him by Cate Blanchett, who rightfully won an Oscar playing the fiery and feisty Katherine Hepburn. Visually, she looks similar to the legendary actress, but her mannerisms and personality are a dead ringer. It's uncanny how convincing she is. John C. Reilly and Matt Ross provide solid support as two of Hughes's workers. Alec Baldwin is effective as Juan Tripp, the owner of PanAm, Hughes's rival. Special mention has to go to Alan Alda, who is perfectly sleazy as Senator Brewster (who is in Tripp's pocket).
This is very effective piece of directorial work by Martin Scorcese (can we expect anything less?). His use of changing color tones as time goes by is unique, and he gives a thorough look inside Hughes's life. Too thorough, in fact. At nearly 3 hours, the film is too long. Scorcese and his screenwriter John Logan have tried to cram too much into the film. It's more like a step-by-step guide of Howard Hughes life. Some parts should have been eliminated and others explored more thoroughly to make the film more effective.
Nevertheless, the film is strongly acted and always interesting. I think it's worth seeing if you're interested in it.
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