“The Aviator”, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a biographical film that follows the life of Howard Hughes, a famous aviator, filmmaker, and business magnate. The movie depicts Hughes’ rise to fame in the aviation industry, his relationships with Hollywood starlets such as Katherine Hepburn and Ava Gardner, and his battle with mental illness.
The film received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and attention to detail in recreating the glamour of Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s. However, like most biopics, “The Aviator” takes some creative liberties with the true story of Howard Hughes. In this review, we will examine the accuracy of the film and analyze how closely it aligns with historical facts.
1. Timeline of Events: One of the main criticisms of “The Aviator” is the rearrangement of events in Howard Hughes’ life. The film condenses and combines various incidents to fit within a Hollywood narrative structure. For example, Hughes’ obsessive-compulsive disorder is portrayed as developing early in his career, when in reality it manifested later in life. Additionally, the film glosses over key moments in Hughes’ life, such as his acquisition of TWA and his subsequent downfall.
2. Portrayal of Characters: While the film does capture the essence of Howard Hughes’ eccentric personality, it simplifies and sensationalizes his relationships with women. The portrayal of Katherine Hepburn and Ava Gardner is particularly romanticized, emphasizing their beauty and glamour rather than their actual impact on Hughes’ life. Similarly, Hughes’ business associates are depicted as one-dimensional villains, exaggerating their antagonistic roles in his life.
3. Accuracy of Aviation Scenes: One of the highlights of “The Aviator” is its spectacular depiction of Hughes’ aviation achievements. The film recreates historic flights and showcases the evolution of aircraft design during the early 20th century. However, some critics have pointed out inaccuracies in the depiction of specific aircraft models and flight sequences. Despite these minor flaws, the aviation scenes in “The Aviator” are visually stunning and showcase Hughes’ passion for flying.
4. Treatment of Mental Illness: Howard Hughes’ battle with mental illness is a central theme in “The Aviator”. The film portrays his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder and Aviator Predictor germophobia in a sympathetic light, highlighting the toll his conditions took on his personal and professional life. While the film accurately captures the symptoms of Hughes’ mental illness, some critics argue that it oversimplifies the complexities of his psychological condition.
In conclusion, “The Aviator” is a well-crafted film that offers a glimpse into the life of Howard Hughes through a Hollywood lens. While it takes some artistic liberties with the true story of Hughes, the film successfully captures the essence of his personality and achievements. Viewers should approach “The Aviator” as a fictionalized account of Hughes’ life rather than a documentary.
Overall, “The Aviator” provides an entertaining and insightful look at one of the most fascinating figures in American history. It may not be entirely accurate, but it succeeds in capturing the spirit of Howard Hughes and his era.
