One of the Best Hollywood Movies of the Year

Rating: 8/10 (18 December 2004)

In all honesty, it must be said that this film is not traditional Scorsese film-making. In comparison to his classics Raging Bull and GoodFellas, The Aviator pales in comparison. However, it must also be said that Scorsese's latest does not feel like the typical over-the-top gore fest that his previous films have felt like (2002's Gangs of New York). The Aviator is far better than Scorsese's last
accomplishment but this is a step out of the ordinary for his usual work. Much like last years Seabiscuit, the era of the 1920s and 1930s is beautifully captured with stunning cinematography and impressive costume design. In technical
categories this film will garner multiple Oscar nominations (if not win the coveted prize). Seeing it at a private screening at Los Angeles Center Studios on
Thursday night, I was quite impressed at the overall feel of the film. This is one of the best Hollywood movies based on Hollywood's golden age I have ever
seen. And with a running time of over 2 and a half hours, I felt like I wanted to see more. Sad to see, but that is one aspect that could have been approved.
The film's ending (or lack thereof) does not exactly impress leaving the
audience at that certain point where you think the film is going to really take off. It doesn't. Perhaps it could be how engrossed I was with the first two and a half hours that ultimately left me wanting more. Aside from that, this is one of my top five favorite films of the year, and it is certainly worthy of all the nominations it can get. While it may not be a win that is far beyond due to mastermind
Scorsese, it certainly should give him a great chance up against such talents as Mike Nichols and Alexander Payne. With all technical aspects aside, the acting should certainly be equally commended. First off, Cate Blanchett instantly sold me as Katherine Hepburn, and in regards to her recent passing, I believe that the performance here is about as memorable as Katherine herself: a legend that will live forever in cinema. If Blanchett is ever again to be nominated for Best Actress, let this be the year. Equally impressive is the underrated Leonardo
DiCaprio, who like in Catch Me If You Can, delivers a powerful performance as Howard Hughes. I can not imagine anyone else playing this role as well as he
did. As to the cast, with the fine talents of Alec Baldwin, the great John C. Reily, Ian Holm, Scorsese favorite Willem Dafoe, Jude Law (who seems to be in every
movie I have seen this season) and Kate Beckinsale it is so hard to go wrong. A tremendous ensemble, a beautiful film, and a magnificent memory. One of the
best films of the year and a worthy Best Picture contendor. 8 out of 10.