When I think of all the directors who would be best able to create a biopic about the reclusive Howard Hughes, the first name that comes to mind is Martin Scorsese. There are several reasons for this, the main one being that Howard Hughes was (and still is) a larger-than-life character, and Scorsese knows how to get performances out of his actors that contain all of the subtle nuances needed to effectively portray someone like that. Then of course, there is the fact that Scorsese is also the master of historical details. Every building, car, hair pin and shoe has to be perfect in order to bring to life a time long gone. In “The Aviator,” Scorsese takes on the seemingly insurmountable task of delivering a fulfilling biography of Hughes. This is no easy feat, as Hughes’ life is one of great dichotomy.

Throughout the course of his life Hughes was in the public’s eye, whether because of his financial wealth, direction of films, relationships with famous actresses or his business and aeronautical savvy. But in spite of this, he was a fiercely opposed to public scrutiny, which along with a growing phobia of germs, made him one of the world’s most famous recluses.

For the most part, Scorsese delivers an entertaining look into the Hughes’ life, but as I watched the film I wondered whatever happened to his ability to coherently edit a film. The direction was flawless, the acting phenomenal, and the sets splendid. Even the few action sequences involving planes were nothing short of amazing. But, like his earlier “Gangs of New York,” “The Aviator” was all over the place. It employs too many quick edits and time shifts, which at times really make following the story difficult. From all of the Academy Awards it was nominated for (winning 5), I was really expecting a great film, but instead saw only a good one.

I do want to mention that I have grown to appreciate Leonardo DiCaprio’s acting chops over the years, and while I think he was a good choice to fill Hughes’ shoes, I’m not sure he was a great choice. He had the personality down, again a credit to Scorsese’s ability to get those nuances performances, but I’m not so sure he looked the part. As good an actor as he has become, he still looks a little too much like a baby-faced teenager. It is hard to find fault in this because I know a lot of thirty year old people who are blessed enough to look that young, but when faced with this in a motion picture, sometimes it just doesn’t work.

Warner Brothers is releasing a terrific 2-disc set this week (both in Full Screen and Widescreen versions), and in spite of the movie’s flaws is still a recommended buy. The film gives you almost 3 hours of entertainment value with the movie alone, but there is also a wealth of extras giving you more insight into the making of the film, as well as the life of the real Hughes. There are several featurettes and full fledged documentaries on every technical aspect of “The Aviator”, and since this is where the film really shines, seeing how the movie was made is almost better than watching the movie itself. You’ll also find a very detailed commentary by Scorsese, which was expected. The man is a veritable treasure trove of information, and he once again proves he goes to great lengths to learn everything about any subject he tackles cinematically. There are also some comments throughout from editor Thelma Schoonmaker and producer Michael Mann.

As for the real Hughes, there is a documentary pulled from the History Channel that focuses on his aeronautical innovations, while another featurette looks into his obsessive compulsive behaviors. Getting back to the film, you’ll find a video of a panel discussion about OCD that includes Scorsese, DiCaprio, Terry Moore (Hughes’ widow), Dr. Peter Whybrow and Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz. There is also a lengthy interview with DiCaprio and Alan Alda (who plays Senator Ralph Owen Brewster), and one deleted scene.

Again, being that it was a film by the great Martin Scorsese, I was really hoping for more from “The Aviator” in terms of story, but the pacing was just not there. However, it is still a worthwhile film if for nothing else to see a period re-created with amazing detail.

Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, Alan Alda, Jude Law
Extras: Commentary by director Martin Scorsese, Deleted scene: Howard Tells Ava About His Car Accident, A Life Without Limits: The Making of The Aviator, The Role of Howard Hughes in Aviation History, Modern Marvels: Howard Hughes, A Documentary by the History Channel, The Visual Effects of The Aviator, The Affliction of Howard Hughes: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, The Age of Glamour: The Hair And Makeup of The Aviator, Costuming The Aviator: The Work of Sandy Powell, Constructing The Aviator: The Work of Dante Ferretti, An evening with Leonardo DiCaprio and Alan Alda, OCD Panel Discussion With Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Scorsese, and Howard Hughes' Widow Terry Moore, Still Gallery, Scoring The Aviator: The Work Of Howard Shore, The Wainwright Family - Loudon, Rufus and Martha
Studio: Warner Brothers
Specifications: Widescreen, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Release Date: 5/24/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Thematic Elements, Sexual Content, Nudity, Language and a Crash Sequence)
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We'll give The Aviator a C+.