Excellent Epic Film

Rating: 9/10 (31 January 2005)

This is a serious epic film, spanning a large chunk of Howard Hughes' life, and highlighting several grand Hollywood actors. I can easily see how it would be nominated for so many Oscars, because in some ways it is an homage to all the films of the 30s and 40s. I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought the acting was phenomenal but at times strange. With so many current actors playing such eccentrics, it's hard not to almost cringe at their characters. Example? Blanchett (nominated for best actress by The Academy), playing Katherine Hepburn, can be grating just as I think the original Hepburn was, and her raspy loud voice impersonation made me feel almost...uncomfortable. Of course DiCaprio is over the top, and he is excellent at impersonating all of Hughes' ticks, as well as landing a great Texas accent. He just seemed a bit young for the part, but considering the lack of acting talent today, I can get over it. He was great, and if he won for best actor I could accept that. The most underrated performance? Kate Beckinsale as Ava Gardner. She steals every seen she is in.
Should you see it on the big screen? YES! The movie IS called 'The Aviator' and there are amazing aerial shots that are better than even' Sky Captain & The World of Tomorrow'. I thought they were breathtaking and the best in-air shots I'd ever seen. The more I think about the film, the more I like it. Scorsese does a fantastic job.
BE PREPARED THOUGH! Like all Scorsese films, this one is LONG, and will FEEL LONG!