Insightful . Review on The Aviator Movie

I have never ventured far into Scorcese territory.

I have not seen 'Raging Bull', 'Taxi Driver' or 'Gangs of New York' The only Scorcese movie I have seen before the one I am reviewing was 'Good Fellas' (that too at an age where the gist of the movie was lost on me) and bits and pieces of 'Casino'

'The Aviator' is based on the life of Howard Hughes, who was at times a pilot, a movie producer, a playboy , an eccentric and one of the richest people in the world.

This movie is a snapshot of his life where he was in his prime. This movie is also look into the psyche of this man who suffered from various phobias all his life.

We see from the first frame how the seeds of his phobia are planted in his mind by his mother.

We see him being reckless in the production of his first film 'Hells Angels' a World War 1 movie featuring air stunts ahead of his time.

We see him move to designing and building aircraft and eventually owning TWA. We see him battle the politicians (Alan Alda) who under the influence of Juan Trippe (Alec Baldwin) head of PANAM want to give PANAM exclusive rights to fly international.

We see him as a playboy wining and dining the beauties of the day (Ava Gardner, Jean Harlow, Katherine Hepburn, Bette Davis etc)

But most importantly we see him fight with his demons. His phobia of germs, his obsession for perfection. We see him succumb to obsessive compulsive disorder.

The canvas painted by Scorcese is one that is rich in colour and does not lack in depth. But somehow at the end we cannot help but feel that something is lacking.

Leonardo DiCaprio gives the performance of his life. If not for Jamie Foxx ,surely the Oscar would have been his.

The supporting cast , John C Reilly, Cate Blanchett is also powerful. The cinematography is breath taking and the so are the sound effects which is typical of movies positioned for Oscar.

I would like to believe that Scorcese was better off not getting an Oscar for this effort. I believe his masterpiece is yet to come.

I, for one will be waiting.

3 and half stars out of 5