Review of The Aviator (2004) by Michael P — 20 Jun 2011

Tremendiously interesting piece of history, and a portrait of one of the most peculiar yet powerful men in Hollywood during the decades; 1930-40.

Here's another oscar for you, Martin! Shall we put it among the others?

Leonardo DiCaprio is good as Howard Hughes, the multi-millionaire, avaiator, industrial manager, aircraft constructor who had huge influence and belonged to the "in-crowd" in Hollywood during the golden years. He went through quite a social changing...from hanging with the world's most glamorous movie stars and models, the richest people of the nation to living like a hermit, completely isolated in his house for years.

Scorsese, couldn't possibly have chosen a more intriguing and colorful persona than Howard Hughes, the true legend!

We follow him through his career, affairs, and not to mention his abnormal fear of germs (which was actually rooted in his childhood).

DiCaprio was good, like I said, but didn't look very much like the real Howard, but I guess it doesn't matter since 99.9% of the people who've watched this, haven't seen a picture of him.

Actually, neither Errol Flynn (Jude Law), Ava Gardner (Kate Beckinsale) nor Jean Harlow (Gwen Stephanie) were recognizable...For after all, I think quite a few people have seen pictures of them at least.

Can't blame the actors, but wish that the film makers would have put some more effort in finding look-alikes.

But Cate Blanchett on the other hand had obviously done her homework with her portrayal as Katharine Hepburn. She didn't just nail Hepburn's dialect, but also all the gestures she had.

All in all, I think this is a very good and interesting picture.

It hits you that money cannot buy some of the most essential things in life; friends and happiness.

With this, Scorsese proved once again that he is one of the greatest directors ever lived.