The Aviator

2004 American film

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Theatrical release poster

Directed by	Martin Scorsese
Written by	John Logan
Screenplay by
Story by
Based on
Produced by	Michael Mann, Sandy Climan, Graham King, Charles Evans Jr.
Starring	Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale
Narrated by
Cinematography	Robert Richardson

The Aviator is a 2004 American epic biographical drama film directed by Martin Scorsese and written by John Logan. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes, a pioneering American aviator, film director, and eccentric billionaire. The film focuses on Hughes' life from the late 1920s to the mid-1940s, a period during which he became a successful film producer and an aviation magnate while simultaneously struggling with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Plot

The film begins in the 1920s with a young Howard Hughes inheriting his family's fortune and using it to finance his passion for aviation and filmmaking. Hughes directs the 1930 war film Hell's Angels, which becomes a major success. He then moves on to produce other films, including Scarface and The Outlaw.

As Hughes' fame grows, so does his obsession with aviation. He sets multiple world airspeed records and acquires Trans World Airlines (TWA), challenging the dominance of Pan American World Airways (Pan Am). However, Hughes' personal life is plagued by his worsening OCD, which manifests in compulsive behaviors and germophobia.

The film also explores Hughes' relationships with prominent figures of the time, including actress Katharine Hepburn, played by Cate Blanchett, and Ava Gardner, played by Kate Beckinsale.

Hughes' mental health deteriorates further as he becomes increasingly reclusive, culminating in a public breakdown during a Senate investigation into his business practices. Despite these challenges, Hughes continues to innovate in aviation, culminating in the successful flight of the Hughes H-4 Hercules, also known as the "Spruce Goose."

Cast

• Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes
• Cate Blanchett as Katharine Hepburn
• Kate Beckinsale as Ava Gardner
• John C. Reilly as Noah Dietrich
• Alec Baldwin as Juan Trippe
• Alan Alda as Owen Brewster

Production

The Aviator was a long-gestating project for director Martin Scorsese, who was drawn to the story of Howard Hughes due to his own interest in aviation and the complexities of Hughes' character. The screenplay by John Logan was based on the book Howard Hughes: The Secret Life by Charles Higham.

The film was shot in various locations, including Los Angeles, Montreal, and Las Vegas. Robert Richardson served as the cinematographer, employing a visual style that emulated the look of films from the 1920s to the 1940s.

Reception

The Aviator received critical acclaim, particularly for Leonardo DiCaprio's performance as Howard Hughes and Cate Blanchett's portrayal of Katharine Hepburn. The film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards, winning five, including Best Supporting Actress for Blanchett and Best Cinematography for Richardson.

Historical Accuracy

While The Aviator is largely faithful to the events of Hughes' life, certain aspects were dramatized for cinematic effect. The film captures the essence of Hughes' achievements and struggles, though some timelines and events were altered for narrative purposes.

Also see

• Howard Hughes
• Martin Scorsese
• Leonardo DiCaprio
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Aviation history