Retro-Hollywood: The Aviator

Rating: 10/10 (13 May 2006)

The Aviator (2004): Starring Leonardo Dicaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, Alan Alda, Ian Holm, Danny Huston, Gwen Stefani, Jude Law, Adam Scott, Matt Ross, Willem Dafoe...Director Martin Scorcese, Screenplay John Logan "The Aviator" was an enjoyable trip back to the life and times of Howard Hughes, an eccentric and reclusive billionaire who among his many accomplishments established a Las Vegas we have all come to know, built the legendary Spruce Goose airplane and was involved in the making of some notably controversial films of his time. While this is not exactly a biopic, and some aspects of his life are not touched, it remains a dramatically compelling film. Leonardo Dicpario, donning Howard Hughes "look, voice and finely tailored suites" lives the character and is doing a heck of a performance, one which should have earned him an Oscar for Best Actor. He is especially convincing as the young Howard Hughes, when he was charismatic, defiant and charming the likes of Katherine Hepburn, Ava Gardner and other celebrities. The cinematography by Robert Richardson pays tribute to the 30's and 40's and the costumes, although too colorful an array, is still reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour. Cate Blanchett as Katherine Hepburn is a riot, though her performance is clearly over-the-top, attempting to be more funny than serious and for me, she did not capture the spirit of the late great actress. Kate Beckinsale, on the other hand, manages to epitomize the strong-willed spirit of Ava Gardner, who, after living the hell of Hughes' constant scrutiny and insecurities, makes the decision to leave him and we applaud her for it. Howard Hughes is not portrayed in a heroic light. His flaws are quite visible and it's genuinely moving to see him fall to pieces as he suffers from schizophrenia and OCD. The rest of the A-list cast include John C. Reilly as Noa Ditrich, a friend of Hughes, Alec Baldwin as Juan Trippe, out to expose Hughes as a fraud, Alan Alda as the tough Senator Brewster, Ian Holm as the very egocentric Professor Fitz, Jude Law portrays swashbuckling star Errol Flynn and Willem Dafoe in the minor role of Roland Sweet. There are moments of breathtaking beauty, such as the scenes which involve plane flight. His many airplane creations are computer-generated images but have a realistic quality to them on screen. Certain portions are quite disturbing, not the least of them being Hughes' nearly fatal plane accident which leaves him burned, scarred and maimed. A great film which won some Oscars, especially for production, but which should have been noted for its performing stars. If you're a fan of Howard Hughes and his time, this is a fine, dramatic and romanticized account of his life.