I remember
Tommy Lee Jones' stunning portrayal of Howard Hughes
in the 1977 television movie The
Amazing Howard Hughes. It's the role that
made Tommy Lee Jones a star. If anyone was going
to try to improve on that telling of the Howard Hughes
story, it would be Martin Scorcese. However, The
Aviator is
not an improvement. It is an equally good movie that
illuminates Hughes from a somewhat different perspective.
The Aviator deals more with the specific pressures
- medical, personal, and business - that pushed Hughes
into mental illness. Kate Blanchett is wonderful
as Katherine Hepburn who was romantically involved
with Hughes for some time. Leonardo DiCaprio projects
the perfect mix of manic drive and ambition, mixed
with pathetic vulnerability. Kate Beckinsale does
a good job as Ava Gardner who helps Hughes fight
back, temporarily, against his mental demons. A highlight
for me was getting to see Hughes' beautiful and dangerous
airplanes. Scorsese has created a multi-layered portrait
of a very interesting man who has left a legacy of
speculation and fascination. Highly recommended.
|