The Aviator

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The Aviator

PG-13

2004

2h 46m

Biography

History

Drama

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Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

226 Reviews

79%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Billionaire and aviation tycoon Howard Hughes (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a successful public figure: a director of big-budget Hollywood films such as "Hell's Angels," a passionate lover of Hollywood leading ladies Katharine Hepburn (Cate Blanchett) and Ava Gardner (Kate Beckinsale), and an aviation pioneer who helps build TWA into a major airline. But in private, Hughes remains tormented, suffering from paralyzing phobias and depression. The higher he rises, the farther has to fall.

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Critics Consensus

With a rich sense of period detail, The Aviator succeeds thanks to typically assured direction from Martin Scorsese and a strong performance from Leonardo DiCaprio, who charts Howard Hughes' descent from eccentric billionaire to reclusive madman.

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Namrata Joshi

Outlook

01/08/2019

2/4

The Aviator does make for a rather fascinating and compelling stand-alone story about an industrious, fastidious, obsessive man...

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

12/28/2010

3/5

Good but not great, and not for younger kids.

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Richard Corliss

TIME Magazine

02/03/2010

This handsome movie is an oddly well-behaved one to come from the preternaturally energetic Scorsese.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Nov 22

3.5/4

At its best, the movie is a stirring tale about a man whose inner drive allowed him to climb ever higher, grazing the heavens before his inner demons seized the controls and forced the inevitable, dreary descent.

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KT Mahe

For Your Reference Podcast

02/15/2024

3/5

The Aviator is an adequate biopic lead by capable performers but the exhilaration sped to puberty level sensuality and hollow thrills.

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Oti

For Your Reference Podcast

02/15/2024

3.5/5

The Aviator starts strong but feels lengthy, with some accents bordering on comedic. Hughes's struggles could be better portrayed, yet it remains a worthy watch.

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Henry D

@Henry_Domke Jul 10

An intense portrait of an important inventor and businessman who had serious mental health problems, yet still became wildly successful. It was fast-paced for such a long movie. The elaborate sets, intense colors, good period music, fine actors, and exotic planes all helped make it a great film.

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Sam G.

@SamG76 Jun 5

Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a masterful performance that anchors this film. His genuine, compelling portrayal brings Howard Hughes to life with remarkable authenticity—reminiscent of his standout roles in Titanic and Shutter Island. The VFX, cinematography, and screenplay are all excellent, with Scorsese's direction seamlessly tying everything together. My only criticism: the film feels slightly overlong, and it could have focused more on Hughes's passion for aviation rather than just his obsessions. Despite these minor flaws, The Aviator is a well-crafted, emotionally resonant masterpiece that remains worth watching. Rating: 4.5 / 5

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Adelay C.

@27adeco May 21

Was it dry at times? Yes. Are there some shortcoming in terms of acting? Also yes. However, Leo is at his best, and overall, this is an incredible film worth watching simply for its insight. As a plus, it seems to be fairly historically accurate.

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Jerod S

@jeroduptown Apr 18

Scorsese captures the time and the madness of Hughes. You travel with the man from billions to bonkers.

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Matt W

@Matt09 Apr 13

This film is Brilliant, anyone can watch this anytime it will still be good in 2100 lol

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Findley S

@findleygsmith Apr 6

An excellent film by Scorsese! Historical attention to detail, soundtrack mastery, incredible colors and visuals. The vibe of this movie is carried strongly throughout, especially thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio’s awe-inspiring performance as Howard Hughes. The minutiae of his acting is what brings the character to life in a believable way that really honors the man Hughes really was. Highly intelligent, self-aware, charismatic, yet tormented by his own mind. This movie is an artistic masterpiece and despite its lengthy run-time, fast-paced and worth a watch.

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Martin Scorsese

Director

Leonardo DiCaprio

Howard Hughes

Cate Blanchett

Katharine Hepburn

Kate Beckinsale

Ava Gardner

John C. Reilly

Noah Dietrich

Alec Baldwin

Juan Trippe

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The Aviator: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Billionaire and aviation tycoon Howard Hughes (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a successful public figure: a director of big-budget Hollywood films such as "Hell's Angels," a passionate lover of Hollywood leading ladies Katharine Hepburn (Cate Blanchett) and Ava Gardner (Kate Beckinsale), and an aviation pioneer who helps build TWA into a major airline. But in private, Hughes remains tormented, suffering from paralyzing phobias and depression. The higher he rises, the farther has to fall.

Director: Martin Scorsese
Producer: Michael Mann, Chris Brigham, Sandy Climan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Charles Evans Jr., Graham King
Screenwriter: John Logan
Distributor: Miramax Films
Production Co: Initial Entertainment Group, Warner Brothers, Appian Way, Miramax Films, Forward Pass, Cappa Productions
Rating: PG-13 (Language|Crash Sequence|Nudity|Sexual Content|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Biography, History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $102.6M
Runtime: 2h 46m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)