Great Ride in 'Aviator' ***12

Rating: 9/10 (16 January 2006)

Leonardo Di Caprio might very well suffer from the Dorian Gray complex. He just looks too young for his parts whether it be this engrossing film or 1997's "Titanic." Nevertheless, he was quite good as Howard Hughes.
The film shows Hughes' life, complex as it was, totally absorbed in aviation and film making.
Kate Blanchett, as Katharine Hepburn, was perfect. She really established a well authentic New England accent in playing Kate the Great. Her Oscar win was like a 5th trophy for the late Miss Hepburn herself.
The film is very fast paced just like the life of Hughes himself. Tragically, the man was victimized by OCD, which invariably ruined his life.
As the senator, Alan Alda received a well-deserved best supporting actor nomination. Tied to Hughes' competitor in aviation, he tried to ruin him only to have the tables turned on him. While the part was brief, Alda showed a crustiness that I never thought he was capable of. I thought I was viewing Melvyn Douglas when I saw him in his scenes-especially the luncheon scene with Hughes.
An interesting biography, well-crafted by Martin Scorsese, who just can't seem to find Oscar gold.