Review of The Aviator (2004) by Frances Ann A — 09 Jan 2012

This film is not Scorsese's best, not by a long shot but I still believe it is a bit underappreciated. A beautifully crafted tale of one of the most influential American businessmen of the 20th century. Lavish production design coupled with the subtle genius of Leonardo DiCaprio and the brillance and style only Scorsese could bring, The Aviator is a polished gem of a film.

Howard Hughes revolutionized aviation and his exploits made him one of the richest men in the world during the peak of his life, but on the inside, a mentally broken man struggling under the weight of his own creations. Scorsese captures both sides of the story where in one scene, we may get a glimpse of Hughes' life as a millionaire playboy straight to him breaking down and collecting his own urine in jars. The way the film can transition between these two sides of the man is brillant. The story follows the tycoon as he makes blockbuster movies, builds the latest innovation in aviation, and rises to be one of the most powerful men in the country. He struggles with his personal life through a series of hollow and disastorous relationships. It is a hell of a ride, and the ending rather take a hollywood turn and end with a bang, chose to end itself closer to the way the actual Howard Hughes would have.

This story would be half as potent if it did not have Leo DiCaprio in the main role. This is truly one of his finest performances. He brings precision in his delivery and the fact that he can play both sides of Howard Hughes both sane and insane makes this for one of his most complex and compelling roles. The film also benefits from a fine supporting cast from Cate Blanchett in her Oscar-winning role as Katherine Hepburn to the other greats with big names of Alan Alda, Alec Baldwin, and John C. Reilly among them. As much as I liked the rest, it was DiCaprio who truly made the film.

The film is highly accurate at depicting the lavish period and the high life of the rich and famous in the thirties and forties. The film has mroe effects than any other Scorsese movie and the aviation scenes are among its most impressive. The cinematography is beautiful, crisp, and clean giving for a sharp experience to behold. As with other Scorsese movies, the soundtrack and score are top notch giving for one of the biggest and most lavish productions of Scorsese's filmography.

The fact that this film didn't when any other Oscars annoys me to no end. It is truly one of the best films of the last decade and I can highly recommend as a lengthy but worthwhile film from the master.