"Howard Hughes, The Aviator"

Rating: 9/10 (8 August 2005)

"The Aviator" focuses on the brilliant and tragic life of the fascinating madman and genius, Howard Hughes, 1905-1976, (to be precise, 20 years of it, from 1927 when 22 years old Hughes was producing the film "Hell's Angels" until 1947 when his most famous aircraft, the Hercules was completed). The film is as amazing and dark as the man who called himself with pride, "Howard Hughes, the Aviator". Cinematography, Art Direction, and Editing were perfect in the almost 3 hours long film that never for a moment seemed too long or boring. Martin Scorsese made a spectacular and dynamic picture and Leonardo DiCaprio earns my respect and admiration for his acting - he is one of the most talented young actors now and I will be waiting for his following films impatiently. I trusted him in every scene and he made me feel strongly for and sympathize with Howard Hughes's affliction.
Alan Alda and Alec Baldwin both gave great performances as the corrupted and disgusting Senator Brewster (Alda) and truly memorable Pan-American Airways CEO Juan Trippe, Hughes' enemy and competitor (Baldwin played a delightful villain). Surprisingly for myself, I didn't like very much Cate Blanchett's impersonation of Katherine Hepburn (I usually love Blanchette in every movie I've seen her)  it seemed more like caricature but it is a matter of personal liking or not.
I feel that "The Aviator" took off the ground like a huge steel bird and took me with it to the marvelous journey. I also believe that "The Aviator" is much better and more interesting film than the last year's Oscar winner - but again, this is my opinion. You, of course are entitled to have yours which may be completely different from mine.