The Aviator - A Movie Review

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"The Aviator" is an epic biographical drama which was released in 2004. The movie covers Hughes' life from 1927-1947. CAST Leonardo DiCaprio - Howard Hughes Cate Blanchett - Katharine Hepburn John C. Reilly - Noah Dietrich Kate Beckinsale - Ava Gardner Alec Baldwin - Juan Trippe Alan Alda - Senator Owen Brewster Ian Holm - Professor Fitz Danny Huston - Jack Frye Gwen Stefani - Jean Harlow Jude Law - Errol Flynn The first scene shows 9-year-old Howard being bathed by his mother who warns him of disease: "You're not safe". Howard shows signs of OCD later in life and is deathly afraid of germs as you will see in the film. 1927 - 22-year-old Howard is preparing to direct "Hell's Angels". Hughes is a perfectionist when it comes to his movies; and "Hell's Angels" is a big, important project for him. The film is complete by 1929; but "The Jazz Singer" is released which is a "talkie". Hughes must re-shoot for sound which takes another year and $1.7 million; but when it's finally released, it's a huge hit. Hughes starts dating Katharine Hepburn; and eventually they move in together. Hepburn becomes Howard's confidante and support system and even helps him ease his OCD symptoms. Hughes purchases a major interest in TWA (Transcontinental & Western Air), the predecessor of Trans World Airlines. In 1935 he test flies the H-1 Racer but crashes in a beet field. Three years later he flies around the world in four days, breaking the previous record of seven days. Senator Brewster has just introduced the Commercial Airline Bill which would give world expansion solely to Pan Am. Isn't that a monopoly? Juan Trippe, owner of Pan Am, and Brewster are afraid that Hughes might beat them to commercial expansion. Howard and Katharine Hepburn break up. She has fallen in love with a co-star which can only be Spencer Tracy. Howard has other interests as well...other stars such as Ava Gardner and fighting the Motion Picture Association of America over sweltering scenes in "The Outlaw". He secures contracts with the Army Air Force for a spy plane and a troop transport. By 1946 he has finished the spy plane; but he is also building the H-4 Hercules (Spruce Goose) flying boat. The strain of business has him starting to repeat phrases and spikes his fear of germs. If you want to know what happens next, you will have to watch the movie. It's worth watching this movie just to see Cate Blanchett's award-winning performance as Katharine Hepburn. The film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards and won 5 for Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Costume Design, Best Art Direction and Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Cate Blanchett). I have no hesitation in recommending this movie. This movie is rated PG-13. Photo Credit: Pixabay