Inside the Mind of Howard Hughes

Rating: 8/10 (2 February 2005)

Howard Hughes was a legendary figure, remembered for his vast fortune and his eccentricities. Martin Scorsese tells his story in "The Aviator," starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the young billionaire. Leo puts in an intense performance, showing a driven, concentrating look in his eyes. The story follows Hughes' life from his days as a maverick movie director on the set of "Hell's Angels," to his work innovating aircraft, his descent into madness and his conflicts with the Government. The look of the movie is wonderful, recreating the glamour of old Hollywood. Hughes' love life is also examined, with Kate Beckinsale as Ava Gardner, Gwen Stefani making a cameo as Jean Harlow, and Cate Blanchett putting in a snappy performance as Kate Hepburn. In the end, you might not understand Howard Hughes better, but it's a fascinating ride.