Could have been better Casting

Rating: 7/10 (5 January 2005)

One very important factor in doing a biopic on Howard Hughes is the casting of the lead. As I watched this film, I wanted to buy Leo as Hughes, but it felt like Tom Cruise playing Hughes. Leo is definitely a pretty boy, and this is certainly the biggest role of his career. But I felt that perhaps someone else could have played him better. Someone else who could perhaps give you a glimpse inside the madness. Russell Crowe, although not a match physically, had that kind of insight in "A Beautiful Mind". Alongside that, as much as Cate Blanchett was serviceable as Kate Hepburn, I could easily imagine Emma Thompson personifying Hepburn much better.
I have no other major complaints about a film that took eons to make the big screen. It is certainly to the audience's advantage that a film about Howard Hughes be given the big budget treatment. The test flight scenes, as well as the "Hell's Angel's" unprecedented aerial scenes are appropriately depicted with top-notch CGI. Perhaps, along with "Gangs of New York", having DeCaprio attached was the along way it could get made. For Scorcese, this is his best film in years. He is able to delve deeper into a character than your average Hollywood filmmaker. Scorcese does an excellent job depicting Hughes' descent into madness. The extra length of this film dedicates a good deal of time to this sad aspect. You have sympathy as Hughes fights the takeover of TWA, and the upbeat ending is welcome.
The production design is perfect, no corners were cut. Camera angles and pacing are engaging. The make-up on DeCaprio is excellent. The use of period film quality is unique, and creates an outstanding sense of 'living history'. This film deserves Oscar nominations for almost every category, except the acting. Once again, there's nothing wrong with DeCaprio & Blanchett, but they are not perfect.
I will probably see this film again, only because I can identify with the seemingly overwhelming odds against you when trying to achieve a personal accomplishment. I also identify with being a misfit, but yet being valued by society.
I give it a 7 out of 10.