Capturing the Essence of Hughes

Rating: 9/10 (10 January 2005)

Martin Scorsese has just made another great film. Although some scenes in this film might have been shortened (Hughes solo flights, his relationship with Katherine Hepburn, building the planes), I felt that the overall effect of the film was to convey the essence of what made Hughes tick.
We didn't need to know everything about his childhood or his latter years in this film, it's not a documentary and we can always go to the library to find out more. What we got was a character study of a man who everyone thinks they know about and whose fatal flaws of obsessional behaviours/phobias starting in childhood were the emotional engine that drove him to see things through to completion. His weaknesses were his strengths and then ultimately his downfall.
Hughes seemed to inspire loyalty in those closest to him and although the film is on a grand scale, it seems a very personal story. Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of Howard Hughes is first rate and sympathetic. Expect Oscars to be directed thick and fast at this movie for direction, cinematography and best male lead. A visual feast that leaves you with more food for thought.