neekap

I went out to see the Aviator with my friend billege tonight after work. I saw a few previews for it and thought it looked pretty interesting. Keep in mind that I had no idea who Howard Hughes was other than the brief blurb in the previews.

What did everyone think of this movie? I was pretty impressed with the cinematography. I was questioning whether I was watching a 21st century movie or if it was done up to look completely old fashioned. Plenty of the closeups on Leonardo DiCaprio made it seem like I was watching an old film from several decades ago. With the lighting and makeup and all.

All in all it was a great movie. There was plenty of "wtf" moments only because I was walking into the movie with virtually no knowledge of what to expect from it. It did get a little slow somewhere around the middle but it wasn't for very long and I'd say it had a bit of a weird ending.

I'd say overall, 9 out of 10. Anyone else?

cabron

Scorcese's direction was uninteresting, and I found the computer-animated shots (going through the planes, impossible angles, etc) to be distracting, far from the flush, seamless rivets that Howard Hughes wants so much.

The movie also seems to be a complete whitewash of Howard's life, leaving in just enough eccentricity to be charming, brushing over his failures (pretty much all of his life) and not explaining the rest of his life. Not really sure what we are supposed to take away from the movie.

Also, why do we need a single moment of film to capture someone's entire psychological profile?

Overall, cliche biopic with a couple of nice visuals.

6/10.

Willravel

Comparing Scorcese to Scorcese? I'd say it's not bad. It might not stand up to his better work, but it really isn't bad. Comparing Scorcese to anyone else? I'd say Aviator is one of the years better movies. Leonardo DiCaprio can act (although I could have done without the man-ass). One of the better main stream bio pics I've seen in the last few years. I'd say see it. Although Alec Baldwin's Juan Trippe (owner of PanAm), Kate Beckinsale's Ava Gardner, and Jude Law's Errol Flynn were boring and uninspiring, Cate Blanchett's Katherine Hepburn almost steals the show.

7/10 Overall

Ella

I've only seen previews, but Cate Blanchett looks a dead cert for an Oscar Nom. The woman is a genius.

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Redjake

I don't see how anyone could not like this movie. It's easily one of the best I've ever seen. You guys shouldn't be so harsh on it. After all, DiCaprio and Scorcese aren't imitating Howard Hughes, they are interpreting him. If you've forgotten the trash that is put out today as a regular, I'd suggest picking some movies up at the local movie store and then watching The Aviator again. Damn good movie. One of my instant-favorites, whether it's realistic or an accurate portrayal or not. One of the year's finest.

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Off the record, on the q.t., and very hush-hush.

Grasshopper Green

I really liked it. I really don't know anything about Hughes' life either, so I can't comment on the factual aspect. I thought the acting was superb. It was a little dry in a few places, but overall, definitely worth watching.

warrrreagl

I was stunned and completely blown away. I'm old enough to know exactly who Howard Hughes was, so I already had pre-conceived notions as I walked into the door.

Did anyone notice the blue-shifting in his vision? Cool effect.

My wife and I are both microbe-phobes, so we could completely relate to a lot of what Hughes was suffering through. It would have been so easy to portray Hughes as a genius-gone-wacko, but Scorcese and DiCaprio were brilliant.

And they only barely scratched the surface of Hughes' historical significance.

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