The Aviator

Eschewing every pitfall of the biopic genre and delving deeply into the essence of both Howard Hughes' genius and his slow burn into madness, Martin Scorsese's latest is a tour de force of grand scope and masterfully intimate nuance, portraying a wild young mustang of a man who lived a fast life on an epic scale. Presenting Hughes' view of the world as one in which nothing is impossible and the most momentous, groundbreaking decisions come instantly and instinctively (“What would controlling interest in TWA cost me?”), the film's crux is not the man's eventual psychosis, but his gift for pursuing novel, often misunderstood visions, regardless of expense. Scorsese's recognition of a kindred spirit gives this film a visceral vim and vigor, focusing on the billionaire's late 20s and early 30s, when he was a major force in aviation and a growing presence in show business. The Aviator pulsates with its subject's restless spirit, and at the heart of it is Leonardo DiCaprio, giving the most imposing--and first entirely adult--performance of his career. But most memorable is the incomparable Cate Blanchett's scene-stealing (and Oscar-winning), upper-crust, force-of-nature performance as Hughes' onetime lover, the incomparable Katherine Hepburn. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. [Note: Available in either widescreen or full screen versions, DVD extras on this double-disc set include audio commentary by director Martin Scorsese, the History Channel documentary Modern Marvels: Howard Hughes (44 min.), “An Evening with Leonardo DiCaprio and Alan Alda” (28 min.), the featurettes “The Role of Howard Hughes in Aviation History” (15 min.) and “The Affliction of Howard Hughes: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder” (15 min.), an OCD panel discussion with Scorsese, DiCaprio, and Hughes' widow Terry Moore (15 min.), a “making-of” featurette (12 min.), six production featurettes on visual effects (12 min.), hair and makeup (8 min.), the score (8 min.), set construction (6 min.), “The Wainwright Family” singers in the film (6 min.), and costumes (4 min.), as well as one deleted scene (2 min.), and a photo gallery. Bottom line: a fine extras package for one of 2004's best.] (R. Blackwelder)