Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

The Aviator
2004
****
Director: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, Alan Alda, Kate Beckinsale, Jude Law, Ian Holm, Matt Ross, Danny Huston, Gwen Stefani

Howard Hughes (1905-1976) was a millionaire, an aviation pioneer and an ambitious filmmaker, who was gradually consumed by his physical injuries and OCD. Martin Scorsese's compelling and beautifully staged biopic skips his reclusive final years, but still clocks at almost three hours. It does feel a bit long towards the end. Leonardo DiCaprio is superb in the title role, but as this is a story about Hughes, the supporting characters remain rather sketchy. The film won Academy Awards for cinematography, editing, costume design, art direction, and supporting actress (Cate Blanchett for her slightly mannered performance as Katharine Hepburn).