Wings, Wealth, and Wounds
IMDb rating: 7/10
The Aviator is an ambitious biopic that soars high in spectacle and performances, even if it runs long and occasionally overindulges. 7.5/10
Martin Scorsese brings Howard Hughes’s story to life with lavish production design, gorgeous cinematography, and thrilling flight sequences that still look impressive. The period detail is meticulous, and Robert Richardson’s use of shifting film color palettes gives the movie a distinct visual identity.
Leonardo DiCaprio captures Hughes’s charisma and genius while also showing his obsessive decline with raw intensity. Cate Blanchett is brilliant as Katharine Hepburn-funny, sharp, and complex, making her Oscar win deserved. Supporting roles add strong flavor, from Alan Alda’s smarmy senator to Alec Baldwin’s rival airline tycoon.
The film’s main weakness is its sprawl. At nearly three hours, some sections feel stretched, and the narrative sometimes loses focus. Still, for those who enjoy character-driven epics, The Aviator is a rewarding watch with top-tier acting and craft.
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