It's not 'Taxi Driver' - but then again, why would it be? This is 'The Aviator'. Well done Mr Scorsese!

Rating: 8/10 (28 June 2005)

People who say that films should be watched objectively - without letting factors such as 'who directed' and 'who starred?' cloud their judgement - are kidding themselves. Let's admit it. As audiences, it is almost impossible to turn that part of the brain off.
Perhaps this is why Martin Scorsese's 'The Aviator' has been so harshly judged by audiences after its initial release. With a director like Scorsese at the helm, and with an all-star cast of names like DiCaprio, Reilly, Blanchett, Beckinsale (the list could go on) it doesn't come as a surprise that audiences felt they didn't quite get what they were hoping for.
With films such as 'Taxi Driver' and 'Goodfellas' in my all-time fave films list, I too had the high hopes of the 'new Scorsese picture'. However, after an hour or so into the film, I realised that this wasn't going to be a film with DeNiro and Pesci bringing out the big guns ('Like a clown? Do i amuse you?'). But what I did see was a biopic/period film that has sass and class. 'The Aviator' is Martin Scorsese's attempt at bringing a part of Howard Hughes' story to life, whilst re-creating an exciting period in the 20th century. And without tearing this film to shreds like some other pretentious film student would, i will say this... I like it.
DiCaprio reunites with Scorsese after 'Gangs of New York' in a role that almost seems to be second-nature to him now, as an arrogant, young high-flier who's downfall spans the life of the film (think 'The Beach', 'Catch me if you can') - and now in 'The Aviator' - DiCaprio proves to us that he is not just a pretty face, and can actually act. He is supported by a fantastic cast, most notably the chameleon-like Cate Blanchett in her portrayal of Katherine Hepburn.
Scorsese is on the money again. He takes his distinctive visual and editing style to another level - and his use of colour throughout the film is amazing. Biopics sometimes have a tendency to linger with plot, and this is usually because of somebody's attempt to cram in a lot of story in under two hours - but 'The Aviator' as a story flows nicely. It's not a SHORT film by any stretch of the imagination, but it keeps a nice rhythm that in turn, keeps audiences interested (instead of checking their watches).
Though some people may argue that the film only skims the surface of Hughes' life, i think it is fair to say that it is how the FILM should be. If you are so wrapped up in every detail of Hughes' life, then READ a bio about him. But realistically, this is a film, and anything over 3 hours is not going to make an audience happy. Perhaps my only criticism, is the use of CGI for the plane sequences. It looks average, and feels totally out of place in a film like this. Leave that to 'Sky Captain and the world of tomorrow'.
Even if you've never heard of Howard Hughes before (though I'm sure 'The Simpsons' would make that impossible - 'We'll take the Spruce Moose') just see the film. It has its glamorous parts and its poignant parts - but most of all, it's just enjoyable.