Too long and not enough excitement

Rating: 6/10 (3 January 2006)

There were some fine performances in this movie, and it reminded me of Citizen Kane in its approach to the life of a ruthless businessman, but I wasn't gripped by it and Hughes' character was so unsympathetic that I couldn't engage with him. Cate Blanchett's portrayal of Hepburn was excellent and I loved her (being a true Hepburn fan, I wasn't offended). I understood the technical excellence of the cinematography, but I need to feel involved in a story and Hughes behaviour was repellent enough to distance me completely. DiCaprio was good, but I couldn't see him as an older man later on in the story - possibly he lacked the weight required to show middle age convincingly. I lost interest well before the end, I'm afraid.