The Aviator
You've got to hand it to old Marty (Martin Scorsese)... he knows how to make a picture.
I'm not a big Leonardo DiCaprio fan but I do enjoy his movies. And it's only in recent years have I discovered the power of Scorsese's work. His films are gritty, violent and seem to thrive on the themes of power and struggle. Or the struggle to obtain power, maybe?
From the beginning of “The Aviator” (in an odd opening scene involving a young Howard Hughes and his mother) you are instantly intrigued. The film jumps into the future where we see Hughes take over Hollywood and then Aviation. His journey is fast and frantic one where he barely stops to look back or take a breath. The production values and cinematography bring back the era very well which takes us on a journey through time. One of the stand-out scenes is when Hughes flies the plane that crashed in Beverly Hills and nearly killed him. It's full of horror and panic and really packs a punch.
I'm not a big Leonardo DiCaprio fan but I do enjoy his movies. And it's only in recent years have I discovered the power of Scorsese's work. His films are gritty, violent and seem to thrive on the themes of power and struggle. Or the struggle to obtain power, maybe?
From the beginning of “The Aviator” (in an odd opening scene involving a young Howard Hughes and his mother) you are instantly intrigued. The film jumps into the future where we see Hughes take over Hollywood and then Aviation. His journey is fast and frantic one where he barely stops to look back or take a breath. The production values and cinematography bring back the era very well which takes us on a journey through time. One of the stand-out scenes is when Hughes flies the plane that crashed in Beverly Hills and nearly killed him. It's full of horror and panic and really packs a punch.
The former recluse certainly did lead an interesting life and DiCaprio acquits himself very well. In the early years of his life, DiCaprio’s performance mirrors that of his other works where he has played angry and passionate characters. But in the later years of Howard Hughes' life, the actor shows us a side of his acting talents not previously seen before this film's release. I'm referring to the depiction of Hughes' first run into hiding from the world. You really do feel the madness and craziness that the character must have felt and there were times that got me thinking and worried about how easy it is to really fall into that crack, where you lose your grip on reality.
Not everything is known about the life of The Aviator and the film shows that by presenting a real enigma to us. We don't know what really drove him to succeed or what caused him to go nuts! Was it the fact that he believed in having no limits in an era where independence hadn't really blossomed in society, or was it something deeper and darker, such as possible child hood abuse or a bad experience? Who knows?
I thoroughly enjoyed this film and it is another fine example of how some creative thinking and dedication, mixed in with skill and filmmaking know-how can turn a straight forward story into a great picture. Cate Blanchett was definitely deserving of her win for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscar’s that year. Her depiction of Katherine Hepburn was amazing. Unfortunately for Scorsese that year, he didn’t win Best Director… it would be another two years with the success of “The Departed” that finally got him the little golden statue.
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