Amazing performances, incredible cast, and fantastic visuals

Rating: 10/10 (1 January 2005)

I was a little iffy about going to see an almost-three-hour movie about a man that I knew very little about, but I really like Leo and Cate, so I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad that I did. I didn't look at my watch once through the course of the movie, and I was disappointed when it was over. I actually left the theater and went to Borders to find a biography about Hughes, so I could learn more about the man and his life. The casting for this movie was truly inspired. Leonardo DiCaprio will win an Oscar for this performance, and I won't be surprised if Cate Blanchett does, too. Her performance of Katharine Hepburn was amazing. At first I was a little worried that she was going to overact the part, but once the character had a chance to develop, I was captivated. She really channels the famous actress, complete with the clenched-jawed speech, imperious posture, and even the slight tremble. I can't believe that this is the same woman who played Elizabeth I, Galadriel, Veronica Guerin, and Lucinda Leplastrier. The other casting decisions where perfect, as well. John C. Reilly once again shines as a solid supporting actor. I really hope that he gets to be a lead actor some day. Alec Baldwin is a fantastic villain, and Alan Alda is convincing as the oily, corrupt Maine senator. The movie is also full of fun cameos from people such as Willem Dafoe, Brent Spiner, Jude Law, and Gwen Stefani. The story of Howard Hughes' life is shown with amazing directing and cinematography decisions. His early years are very clear, and shown with the look of colorized black-and-white film. As Hughes begins his slow decline towards insanity, the movie follows, blurring the lines more and more between the real and imagined. By the end of the film, it isn't entirely clear what's really happening and what's only in Howard's head. DiCaprio does a stellar job of portraying this downward spiral. I can't put into words all of my feelings about this movie. It is definitely on my Top Five list for 2004, and I will be rooting very strongly for it come February 27th.