The Dark Side of a Hollywood Hero

Rating: Null/10 (7 August 2012)

Biopics almost always run the risk of being criticized for not being accurate representations and 'The Aviator' has had its share of flack. But, rather than being a film about Howard Hughes, it's more specifically about Hughes's passion, whether for films or airplanes, and how he struggled and what he sacrificed to pursue his ultimate goal.
Scorsese's films unique technique has often been praised and the slightly washed out sepia tinted picture in the initial portions of the film do add to a feel of the first half of the 20th century. Additional credit must go to the set designer, art director, costume department, makeup artist and score for recreating the 20s, 30s and 40s. The cinematography is fine. However, the overuse of turquoise in the sepia tinted scenes was a little distracting.
After showing a glimpse of Hughes's childhood, Scorsese focuses on his life from the 20s to the 40s. He was married and was known to have liaisons with various glamorous women but the 'The Aviator' focuses mainly on his relationship with Katherine Hepburn and Ava Gardner and does a superb job in depicting them. The obsessive compulsive mysophobia was cleverly introduced in the film and becomes a crucial obstacle for Howard. His mental torment and struggle to fight his own demons is captured very well.
This is another career redefining film for Leonardo Dicaprio who performs all guns blazing. Playing a complex character with so many shades couldn't have been an easy job but Dicaprio proves that he is capable of doing it. Fiery Cate Blanchett is spellbinding as Katherine Hepburn. How she captures every nuance of the legendary actress is astonishing. Luminous Kate Beckinsale is a delight and she plays Ava Gardner with subtle sensuality and elegance. John C. Reilly, Matt Ross, Alec Baldwin, Alan Alda and Frances Conroy provide fine support.
'The Aviator' is ambitious, stylish and classy. I would have liked to see more of Hughes's mental struggle and how he learned to live with it and perhaps more about his relationship with his wife. Then again perhaps this would make the film too long for the standard Hollywood pic.