Review of The Aviator (2004) by Jess K — 20 Apr 2011
It must be nice to have a friend like Martin Scorsese, who can make your little passion project happen and make it happen in such a spectacular fashion that it's nominated for 11 Oscars. Unfortunately, although very good in his performance, DiCaprio's perpetual baby face makes it hard to believe him as effectively breaking down.
Meanwhile Blanchett steals the show in her portrayal of Katherine Hepburn. Scorsese brings his perfectionist's eye to the period details and visuals. No one else could twist a film focused on old Hollywood glamour and early aviation romance into one of mental illness and political corruption wrapped around the most jarring, intense and violent plane crash ever filmed.
The film is clearly Scorsese's most blatant grab at an Oscar, but sadly it lacks the energy that makes him an exciting filmmaker. Like Hughes himself, The Aviator has flashes of greatness, with too many obvious flaws to reach it.
This review of The Aviator (2004) was written by Jess K on 20 Apr 2011.
The Aviator has generally received very positive reviews.
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