Scorsese Soars . . . Oscar Rewards?

Rating: 9/10 (12 January 2005)

The Aviator ****
Despite all round disappointment at the performance of 'Gangs of New York', both at the box office and the major award ceremonies, Harvey Weinstein was still prepared to put his money where his mouth was and trust Scorsese with another mammoth project. And for this we should all be grateful, for 'The Aviator' is a magnificent achievement. Some would argue that it is Scorsese's best effort since 'Goodfellas', and it is without question the most mainstream. Praise is dually deserved all round;

Leonardo DiCaprio gives the performance of his career and without doubt deserves an Oscar nomination (even though he has no chance going up against Jamie Foxx). His brings both charm and arrogance to Hughes' earlier years, and his portrayal of the main protagonist's slide into insanity is breathtaking. Scorsese certainly brings the best out an actor I once thought of as little more than mediocre.

Cate Blanchett is dazzling as Katharine Hepburn, nailing all her eccentricities to a tee (quite literally!). It's just a shame she isn't allowed more screen time to develop her portrayal further. Surely 'Best Supporting Actress' is heading her way?

Scorsese recreates the era spectacularly, using his huge budget to full effect; every penny is visible on screen. The flight sequences are incredibly realistic, and create real edge-of-your-seat tension, while the soundtrack fits the tone of the film perfectly.

Gwen Stefani and Jude Law are both brilliantly cast in their cameo roles, helping to add depth to Scorsese's already bulging canvas.

However, there are a few niggling complaints that stop 'The Aviator' from soaring to the realm of the classics;

Kate Beckinsale seems totally miscast as Ava Gardner, struggling to take her portrayal beyond that of eye-candy, while Alec Baldwin is given so little to do I imagine he could have sleepwalked through the role. After his performance as a bad guy head-honcho in 'The Cooler', this is a major waste.

The editing could have been a lot sharper in places. Personally, I would rather have seen one of the many flight sequences or nightclub scenes cut in exchange for a more in depth analysis of the reasons behind Hughes' later mental illness. Having said that, at least Scorsese was brave enough to just concentrate on one period of Hughes' life, unlike the sprawling, directionless 'Alexander'.

The total overlooking of the bigoted aspect of Hughes' character (he was extremely racist, sexist and homophobic) looms large for anyone who knows the actual history of the time period.

Yet these are minor quibbles for such a fantastic film, which will surely outstrip 'Gangs of New York' both commercially and critically. This is an absolute must see film which, despite being three hours in length, hurtles along like one of Hughes' many incredible creations. A brilliant film about a truly brilliant, if flawed, man. And as for Scorsese winning 'Best Director'? Go on Oscar, you know you want to . . .
Adam Cox gives 'The Aviator' 4/5.