I just got back from seeing The Aviator with Leonardo diCaprio as Howard Hughes. I believe Leonardo has gotten a bum rap as an actor for some time. I liked him in What's Eating Gilbert Grape. I thought he was perfectly cast in Catch Me if You Can. And whatever else you say about Titanic, his part as Jack Dawson will go down in history. But as eccentric inventor/businessman/aviator Hughes, diCaprio should be awarded an Oscar.
The film runs a bit long, but were we not needing to get home to the babysitter, I would have liked to seen a bit more. Hughes' life is absolutely fascinating, if not sad. Covering approximately 20 years of his life, The Aviator is heavy on dialogue and relationships. It is also a bit creepy as we get to experience what I can only assume is a form of schizophrenia through the eyes of Howard Hughes.
The story of the crazed entrepreneur is a bit reminiscent of Citizen Kane, but Martin Scorsese adds a great deal more life to this film. From Hughes battles with Hollywood to his vision for bigger, faster airplanes to his relationships with Kathryn Hepburn (Cate Blanchett) and Ava Gardner (Kate Beckinsale) to his confrontation with the corrupt Senator Brewster (Alan Alda) in congressional committee hearings designed to destroy Hughes, his life plays out as a triumphant and sad sweeping epic.
The Aviator has a lot of profanity, but I highly recommend it as a profile into the mind of a great American whose contributions have had a lasting impact on our culture.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
January 17, 2005 09:34 AM
I saw it over Christmas holidays, and ditto to everything you just said.
January 27, 2005 10:12 AM
hat can the Mayor tell me about Faith Damergue?
I thought the movie was great. Icould have watched another three hours. Decaprio was great!!!