The Aviator

Martin Scorsese turned his lens on the larger-than-life figure of Howard Hughes in The Aviator, a sprawling 2004 drama that charts the mogul's rise and the simultaneous descent of his mental state. Leonardo DiCaprio embodies Hughes, the ambitious filmmaker and aviation pioneer who navigated Hollywood and the skies with equal daring. The film casts a wide net, featuring Cate Blanchett as the formidable Katharine Hepburn and Kate Beckinsale as the glamorous Ava Gardner, two of the many women in Hughes's orbit.

With a reported budget nearing $110 million, the production aimed for a grand scale, recreating the golden age of Hollywood and the dawn of modern aviation. Scorsese, known for his deep dives into complex characters, explores Hughes's obsessive-compulsive disorder alongside his triumphs, painting a portrait of genius intertwined with debilitating anxiety. The film earned significant critical attention, reflected in its 7.2 rating from thousands of votes, and stands as a notable entry in the biographical drama genre. [edit]

The film opens in 1927 Los Angeles, introducing the young, wealthy Howard Hughes as he prepares to direct and produce his ambitious World War I aviation film, Hell's Angels. Even at this early stage, Hughes exhibits an intense perfectionism and a burgeoning fear of germs and contamination, which he attempts to manage through elaborate rituals. He is driven by a desire to push the boundaries of filmmaking and aviation, investing his vast fortune into creating the most spectacular and realistic aerial sequences ever seen. The production of Hell's Angels is depicted as a monumental undertaking, plagued by technical difficulties and weather delays, with Hughes relentlessly pursuing perfection, even if it means reshooting scenes with actual aircraft years after the war.

As Hughes navigates the complex world of Hollywood, he becomes a celebrated figure, known for his daring stunts and his lavish lifestyle. He also develops a reputation as a womanizer, entering into relationships with prominent actresses and personalities. The film highlights his romantic involvements with the fiery and independent Katharine Hepburn (Cate Blanchett) and the glamorous Hollywood star Ava Gardner (Kate Beckinsale), two of the many women who orbit his life. These relationships are depicted as passionate but ultimately strained by Hughes's increasing eccentricities and his all-consuming dedication to his various projects. Hepburn, in particular, challenges Hughes's behavior, while Gardner is drawn to his power and wealth, though she too struggles with his increasingly erratic nature.

Hughes's passion for aviation leads him to found Hughes Aircraft and RKO Pictures, further solidifying his status as a powerful mogul. He personally designs and pilots experimental aircraft, pushing the limits of speed and engineering. His most significant aviation achievement depicted in the film is the development of the massive flying boat, the H-4 Hercules, nicknamed the "Spruce Goose." This ambitious project is born out of wartime necessity and Hughes's relentless pursuit of innovation, though it faces significant political and technical hurdles. He also becomes embroiled in a public battle with Pan Am and its founder Juan Trippe, challenging the airline's monopoly on international air travel.

Throughout the film, the central conflict arises from Hughes's internal battle with his escalating OCD. His phobias, particularly his fear of germs, lead him to develop increasingly elaborate routines to avoid contamination, including wearing gloves constantly and showering excessively. These obsessions begin to impact his business dealings and his personal relationships, creating a stark contrast between his public image as a fearless visionary and his private struggles with anxiety and paranoia. The film also touches upon his battles with the U.S. government, particularly Senator Ralph Owen Brewster, who investigates Hughes's business practices and potential ties to Nazi Germany during World War II, accusing him of wartime profiteering.

The narrative follows Hughes as he attempts to maintain control over his empire and his personal life while his mental health deteriorates. His public appearances become rarer, and his private life becomes more isolated as his compulsions intensify. The film builds towards a critical juncture where Hughes faces intense public scrutiny and personal challenges, testing his resilience and his grip on reality as his empire and his sanity hang in the balance.[edit]