A Compelling Story

Rating: 8/10 (12 January 2005)

It is very difficult to tell the story of someone as dynamic as Howard Hughes. I applaud the director for his efforts and especially appreciated the choice to deliver a movie that did not overstate the obvious (Hughes was wealthy, his father invented the drill bit that allowed drillers to plunge deeper for oil, his eccentric OCD behavioral defects, his contempt for affable conjecture...). In place of all of that the film makers chose to reveal the origin of the man's zeal. His intent to DO things by the force of his own will and by using his money to do it. His failures were not something that could be laid to blame on someone else as often the case in today's business environ'. Mr. Hughes took chances because he had the access and availability to do so which by itself sets him apart from most people. The film took you inside the man himself not his mere accomplishments. I got a sense that Howard Hughes was a man of fortitude. A man who said little to boast his successes but acted on what was up to his challenge and in that I mean the challenge he put to himself each day-to be the best at what he did and if not the best then he would certainly run the course to the end. Is it any wonder he was OCD? I think this film spoke to those who have not lost sight of their dreams and while not all of us will have the great fortune Howard Hughes enjoyed at least the race will never cease to be an exciting if not capricious ride.