Milkduds

The Aviator (9/10)

June 22nd, 2005

The Aviator is a biopic about the early movie making career of the innovative, daring, and eccentric Howard Hughes (Leonardo DiCaprio), after he inherits his father’s fortune.

I initially gave The Aviator an 8, but after reading up on how the movie was made, talking to my wife, and just general reflection on it, I decided to change my rating. I still think Million Dollar Baby will top this one, but I think The Aviator will get 2nd place in my rankings. This movie is jam-packed with terrific acting. Cate Blanchet deserved her Oscar for her portrayal of Katherine Hepburn, one of Hughes’ love interests. I think Leonardo really got the shaft by not getting an Oscar and getting beat out by Jamie Foxx. Foxx didn’t have that much real acting to do, but he did one heck of a Ray Charles impression. DiCaprio does some much better acting in this movie, and I think that acting, not impressions, should be the yard stick by which an Oscar is measured. Anyway, the sheer production of this movie is just something to be inspired by. Lots of A-list actors, lots of custom design, huge sets and props, and an epic story.

Entry Filed under: Movies