Review
‘Tis the season for making lists, so please allow this tiny bit of indulgence: Of the 30-plus films M a r t i n Scorsese has directed in his long and illustrious career, his latest — “The Aviator” — ranks below “Taxi Driver” and “Goodfellas,” but above such noteworthy fare as “Mean Streets” and “Gangs of New York.” For the record, it is the second-best biopic Scorsese has helmed, behind the exalted “Raging Bull.” As for “Aviator” star Leonardo DiCaprio, well, that’s easy — his portrayal of the late maverick magnate Howard Hughes stands out as the finest work the 30-year-old star (yes, 30 … Leo’s all growed up) has done to date.
This gorgeously composed, nearly three-hour-long saga is set in the first half of the 20th century and chronicles the most prolific period of Hughes’ storied life, when he spearheaded a revolution in both the aviation and film industries. Hughes was a towering figure in his day — a dashing billionaire playboy with an unquenchable thirst for adventure, who would ultimately succumb to mental illness and become a recluse. DiCaprio’s pitch-perfect rendering is the stuff Oscar nominations are made of, and he’ll almost certainly get the nod along with co-star Cate Blanchett, who makes for a fantastic Katherine Hepburn. Stellar support is provided by Kate Beckinsale as Hughes’ playmate Ava Gardner; John C. Reilly as the mogul’s top business advisor, and Alec Baldwin — who keeps getting better with age — in the role of visionary PanAm CEO Juan Trippe.
Scorsese is on top of his game, too, incorporating cutting edge technology with old-school know-how to create what may very well be his most visually arresting movie. Along with screenwriter John Logan (“Gladiator”), the director has done a masterful job of condensing a vast story and revealing the true character of one of the most towering figures in American history. This one ought to be on everyone’s list this holiday season. (Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, sexual content, nudity, language and a crash sequence. Running time: 169 minutes)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 17, 2004. Read the original PDF.