One of my favourite films of 2004

Rating: 9/10 (24 June 2005)

I enjoyed The Aviator and found that it provided a sympathetic perspective on a great man. Howard Hughes' obsessive-compulsive personality seemed to be both the source of his greatness as an aviation tycoon as well as somewhat of a personal liability later on. (I will never forget the repetitive hand-washing scenes.)
The movie is a rich tapestry of an excellent script, fine actors and superb photography woven together by a master director -- as a good film should be. Any further analysis seems superfluous.
The movie started off particularly strongly but dragged a little towards the end. Perhaps it was a fraction too long?