The Aviator (DVD) Review
Nominated for 6 Golden Globes and 11 Academy Awards, including
Best Picture, The Aviator wows audiences with its breadth of
scenery and vivid realism. Director Martin Scorsese, known for
a host of excellent films such as Raging Bull (1980),
Goodfellas (1990), Casino (1995), and Gangs Of New York (2002)
- not to mention the highly controversial The Last Temptation
Of Christ (1988) - by no doubt turns out his best work since
Tommy DeVito (Joe Pesci) sought to become a made man. The
Aviator springs to life with nostalgic settings and a lavish
tapestry of color and form, evoking all the enthusiasm
indicative of Howard Hughes' unique lust for life. John Logan,
known for such films as The Last Samurai (2003) and Gladiator
(2000), presents a screenplay that provides some insight into
the enigmatic Hughes and captures the mannerisms of those who
shared that life with him. In short, the film is a masterpiece
of visual imagery and first-rate cinematography few movie
lovers can afford to miss.
The Aviator focuses on the early life (1930-1947) of America's
most eccentric and bewildering billionaire playboy, Howard
Hughes. Known for his seemingly erratic business dealings and
fearless sense of adventure, Hughes (Leonardo DiCaprio) turned
a small inherited fortune into an enormous corporate empire.
And along the way, he captured the imagination of those around
him with an attitude that embraced risk and life itself.
Inheriting a majority interest in the Hughes Tool Company
(founded by his father), Hughes embarks on a career in
Hollywood where he produces a number of notable films including
Hell's Angels, The Front Page, and Scarface. Hughes' obsessive
dedication to perfection makes his stock rise in Hollywood and
even helps launch the career of Jean Harlow.
But Howard Hughes is not just a one-trick pony, and his
interest soon turns to the flourishing aviation industry where
he becomes an integral part of TWA and pilots his own planes on
a regular basis. His driving energy would lead Hughes to enter
the defense industry, the electronics industry, Las Vegas
casinos, and numerous other activities in the years ahead. But
along the way, he deals with a cast of characters colorful in
their own right. Romances with Ava Gardner (Kate Beckinsale)
and Katherine Hepburn (Cate Blanchett) provide insight into
Hughes' personal life, while Noah Dietrich (John C. Reilly),
Hughes' assistant and right-hand man, sacrifices much in his
own life to enable Hughes to live out his latest visions and
inspirations. When Hughes makes the bold move of constructing
the Spruce Goose - the largest airplane ever built (and able to
land on water no less) - Senator Ralph Owen Brewster (Alan Alda)
accuses the billionaire of war-profiteering. Hughes takes on the
Senator full-force and with all the zest that marked his
previous ventures. Vowing that the Spruce Goose will fly, in
the face of highly publicized claims that it will not, Hughes
proves his critics wrong, and the Spruce Goose rises to the
occasion.
Despite its loss to Million Dollar Baby at the Oscars, The
Aviator can take pride in being nominated as one of the best
films of the year (along with Finding Neverland, Ray, and
Sideways). And the film is certainly deserving of that high
honour. Few films better illustrate the beauty of America, or
more importantly, the mountains that can be moved when a single
individual lives his life with ambition, drive, inspiration, and
a naked enthusiasm for all that life has to offer. Overall, The
Aviator is among the best films of the past several years, and
movie aficionados would be well-advised to watch every last
minute with same enthusiasm of a young Howard Hughes.
About The Author:
Britt Gillette is author of The DVD Report
(http://thedvdreport.blogspot.com), a blog where you can find
more reviews like this one.