Respectable movie about a man you'd probably not normally want to know about (The Aviator (DVD))

Member Name: Dando83

Product:	The Aviator (DVD)
Date:	31/05/06 (70 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Leonardo plays a great eccentric

Disadvantages: Loooooong. Not particularly interested in Howard Hughes!

DVD SPECIFIC
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I filed my original review of this under the the VHS version (funnily filed under A, whereas this DVD version is under T). I've actually seen this version and am not sure how to delete the VHS review.

As you would expect, the only distinguishing difference between the flics are the the kind of boring DVD extras you'd expect attached to a drama.

There are a handful of "making of" features which include behind the scenes looks. Why I should care about how someone decided how to do the makeup and hair I do not know. Give these a miss.

There are a few more discussions about Hugues himself and his behaviour. These are slightly more interesting and to be honest could do with watching BEFORE the movie if you're unfamiliar with Hughes.

General improvement in video and sound as expected on a DVD release. If you like plane noises in 5.1 surround sound, maybe this is worth it to you?

In summary, there are no show-stoppers on the DVD. Buy or rent the VHS if you're so inclined.

REVIEW
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I never once stopped to think in my almost 30 years of life "Gee, I'd really like to see Howard Hughes' life dramatised on the big screen." But, when Leonardo plays the role so well I can almost be convinced.

It's a biopic like any other. What's there to say about those kinds of movies? Embellishment of a normally mundane life? Usually these films are, but if you know anything about Hughes, this film probably is about on par with his real life craziness. Leo does such a good job in almost all his movies despite the fact that none of them are among my favourites.

In this biography Leo plays millionnaire aviator and entrepreneur Howard Hughes whose early business sense was soon overtaken by his eccentricity. The film focuses mostly with Hughes' obsessions in the business world, but also his personal relationships with famous Hollywood leading ladies.

I'd say Leo fans will be pleased and so will Howard Hughes admirers. But I'm going to recommend to anyone else who isn't either...to give this a miss. It's a decent movie but I would never consider rewatching it or adding it to my own library.

Summary: Leo is great. Movie is not great.