THE AVIATOR (2004) - ♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Martin Scorsese

Written by - John Logan

Starring - Leonardo Di Caprio, Cate Blanchett

"The Aviator is a romanticised look at the life of young billionaire Howard Hughes who had a reputation as a playboy, but also made very important contributions to the film and aviation industry during the Golden Era of the twenties to the forties. 

Martin Scorsese captures the mystique and charisma of the figure of Howard Hughes, but at the same time is disharmingly sympathetic in the revalations of its more vulnerable, obsessive and darker characteristics. This is a feat that is also achieved by Leonardo Di Caprio in the leading role, with an excellent performance. Cate Blanchett is equally praiseworthy in her excellent turn as Katherine Hepburn - her vocal work is particularly terrific.

Scorsese’s visuals are stunning as usual, and add a grand scale magnificence to the film. The art direction is simply flawless and makes everything look beautifully representative of the glamour and style of its time setting. 

Occasionally, the narrative stumbles upon the usual conventionalities of the vast majority of biopics, but The Aviator mostly gets away with it, also due to a fine dosage of genuine psychological tension as well as its filmmaker's obvious admiration for and personal connection to his subject."

Biopic, USA/Germany