Directed By: Martin Scorsese
Written By: John Logan
Starring: Leonardo Dicaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, Alan Alda
Runtime: 170 minutes
Premise: The Aviator portrays the life of Howard Hughes between the late 1920s and late 1940s, during which time Hughes became a successful film producer and an aviation magnate while simultaneously growing more unstable due to severe obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).
Written By: John Logan
Starring: Leonardo Dicaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, Alan Alda
Runtime: 170 minutes
Premise: The Aviator portrays the life of Howard Hughes between the late 1920s and late 1940s, during which time Hughes became a successful film producer and an aviation magnate while simultaneously growing more unstable due to severe obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).
Synopsis
In Houston, 1913, nine-year-old Howard Hughes is warned by his mother of the diseases to which she is afraid he will succumb. Fourteen years later, he begins to direct the movie Hell’s Angels. However, after the release of The Jazz Singer, the first partially talking film, Hughes becomes obsessed with shooting his film realistically, and decides to convert the movie to a sound film. Despite the film being a hit, Hughes remains unsatisfied with the end result and orders the film to be re-cut after its Hollywood premiere. He becomes romantically involved with actress Katharine Hepburn, who helps to ease the symptoms of his worsening obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
In 1935, Hughes test flies the H-1 Racer, pushing it to a new speed record, and three years later, breaks the world record by flying around the world in four days. He purchases majority interest in Transcontinental & Western Air, the predecessor to Trans World Airlines, aggravating company rival, Juan Trippe, chairman of the board for Pan American World Airways (Pan Am). Trippe gets his friend, Senator Owen Brewster, to introduce the Community Airline Bill, which would give Pan Am exclusivity on international air travel. As Hughes’ fame grows, he is linked to various starlets, provoking Hepburn’s jealousy, later causing them to break up following her announcement that she has fallen in love with fellow actor Spencer Tracy. Hughes quickly finds a new love interest with 15-year-old Faith Domergue, and later actress Ava Gardner.
In Houston, 1913, nine-year-old Howard Hughes is warned by his mother of the diseases to which she is afraid he will succumb. Fourteen years later, he begins to direct the movie Hell’s Angels. However, after the release of The Jazz Singer, the first partially talking film, Hughes becomes obsessed with shooting his film realistically, and decides to convert the movie to a sound film. Despite the film being a hit, Hughes remains unsatisfied with the end result and orders the film to be re-cut after its Hollywood premiere. He becomes romantically involved with actress Katharine Hepburn, who helps to ease the symptoms of his worsening obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
In 1935, Hughes test flies the H-1 Racer, pushing it to a new speed record, and three years later, breaks the world record by flying around the world in four days. He purchases majority interest in Transcontinental & Western Air, the predecessor to Trans World Airlines, aggravating company rival, Juan Trippe, chairman of the board for Pan American World Airways (Pan Am). Trippe gets his friend, Senator Owen Brewster, to introduce the Community Airline Bill, which would give Pan Am exclusivity on international air travel. As Hughes’ fame grows, he is linked to various starlets, provoking Hepburn’s jealousy, later causing them to break up following her announcement that she has fallen in love with fellow actor Spencer Tracy. Hughes quickly finds a new love interest with 15-year-old Faith Domergue, and later actress Ava Gardner.
Hughes secures a contract with the Army Air Forces for two projects: a spy aircraft and a troop transport unit. In 1946, with the "Spruce Goose" flying boat still in construction, Hughes finishes the XF-11 reconnaissance aircraft and takes it for a test flight. With one of the engines malfunctioning mid-flight, he crashes the aircraft in Beverly Hills, getting severely injured. With the end of WWII, the army cancels its order for the H-4 Hercules, although Hughes still continues the development with his own money. When he is discharged, he is told that he has to choose between funding the airlines or his ‘flying boat’, in which he then orders Dietrich to mortgage the TWA assets so he can continue the development.
Hughes grows increasingly paranoid, planting microphones and tapping Gardner's phone lines to keep track of her. His home is searched by the FBI for incriminating evidence of war profiteering, provoking a powerful psychological trauma on Hughes, with the men searching his possessions and tracking dirt through his house. Privately, Brewster offers to drop the charges if Hughes will sell TWA to Trippe, an offer he rejects. With Hughes in a deep depression, Trippe has Brewster summon him for a Senate investigation, as they’re confident that he’ll not show up. Hughes has been shut away for nearly three months when Gardner visits him and personally grooms and dresses him in preparation for the hearing.
Hughes defends himself against Brewster's charges and accuses Trippe of bribing the senator. Hughes concludes by announcing that he has committed to completing the H-4 aircraft, and that he will leave the country if he cannot get it to fly. He successfully test flies H-4 aircraft, and after the flight, talks to Dietrich and his engineer, Glenn Odekirk, about a new jetliner for TWA. The sight of men in germ-resistant suits causes Hughes to have a mental breakdown. As Odekirk hides him in a restroom while Dietrich fetches a doctor, Hughes begins to have flashbacks of his childhood, his obsession for aviation, and his ambition for success, while repeating the phrase, "the way of the future".
Hughes grows increasingly paranoid, planting microphones and tapping Gardner's phone lines to keep track of her. His home is searched by the FBI for incriminating evidence of war profiteering, provoking a powerful psychological trauma on Hughes, with the men searching his possessions and tracking dirt through his house. Privately, Brewster offers to drop the charges if Hughes will sell TWA to Trippe, an offer he rejects. With Hughes in a deep depression, Trippe has Brewster summon him for a Senate investigation, as they’re confident that he’ll not show up. Hughes has been shut away for nearly three months when Gardner visits him and personally grooms and dresses him in preparation for the hearing.
Hughes defends himself against Brewster's charges and accuses Trippe of bribing the senator. Hughes concludes by announcing that he has committed to completing the H-4 aircraft, and that he will leave the country if he cannot get it to fly. He successfully test flies H-4 aircraft, and after the flight, talks to Dietrich and his engineer, Glenn Odekirk, about a new jetliner for TWA. The sight of men in germ-resistant suits causes Hughes to have a mental breakdown. As Odekirk hides him in a restroom while Dietrich fetches a doctor, Hughes begins to have flashbacks of his childhood, his obsession for aviation, and his ambition for success, while repeating the phrase, "the way of the future".
Analysis
Howard Hughes
As soon as we meet 22-year-old Howard Hughes on the set of Hell’s Angels, we see a man that wants to be respected. Shortly after he hires Noah Dietrich, one of his first requests is for Dietrich to tell the people down at Hughes Tool Co. to address him as “Mr. Hughes”. Similar to most ambitious innovators, Howard Hughes has a clear vision and goal and is willing to do anything to accomplish that goal. The most prominent example of this comes when he asks a Louis B. Mayer of MGM for two additional cameras to shoot a dog fighting sequence thus bringing his total to twenty-six cameras. Mayer refuses and laughs at Howard, stating that the movie will never be successful. Mayer’s condescension just fuels Howard’s drive and he does get those cameras.
Due to this singular vision and goal, Howard can be a nightmare to work with. He halts the production of his own movie for months because he wants to shoot the planes against the backdrop of clouds that look like “breasts full of milk”.
Like any successful businessman, Howard tries to be cognizant of what the people want. Every great product becomes successful because it has what the consumer desires. Once the production of Hell’s Angels wraps, Howard makes the rash and expensive decision of adding sound to the film because of an audience’s positive reaction to The Jazz Singer. In order to make the decision feasible, he bets on himself and mortgages every asset of Hughes Tool Co. Hell’s Angels has an enthusiastic reception at its premiere, but Howard refuses to smell the roses, making changes to the final cut of the film later that night.
As soon as we meet 22-year-old Howard Hughes on the set of Hell’s Angels, we see a man that wants to be respected. Shortly after he hires Noah Dietrich, one of his first requests is for Dietrich to tell the people down at Hughes Tool Co. to address him as “Mr. Hughes”. Similar to most ambitious innovators, Howard Hughes has a clear vision and goal and is willing to do anything to accomplish that goal. The most prominent example of this comes when he asks a Louis B. Mayer of MGM for two additional cameras to shoot a dog fighting sequence thus bringing his total to twenty-six cameras. Mayer refuses and laughs at Howard, stating that the movie will never be successful. Mayer’s condescension just fuels Howard’s drive and he does get those cameras.
Due to this singular vision and goal, Howard can be a nightmare to work with. He halts the production of his own movie for months because he wants to shoot the planes against the backdrop of clouds that look like “breasts full of milk”.
Like any successful businessman, Howard tries to be cognizant of what the people want. Every great product becomes successful because it has what the consumer desires. Once the production of Hell’s Angels wraps, Howard makes the rash and expensive decision of adding sound to the film because of an audience’s positive reaction to The Jazz Singer. In order to make the decision feasible, he bets on himself and mortgages every asset of Hughes Tool Co. Hell’s Angels has an enthusiastic reception at its premiere, but Howard refuses to smell the roses, making changes to the final cut of the film later that night.
Hughes’ confidence is evident in his business endeavors as well as his interactions with women. He knows how to make an impression. Hell, he flies his own plane to the beach of a movie set just to play golf with Katharine Hepburn.
Howard seems to have an obsession with people knowing his name and associating his name with great things. He was already incredibly wealthy from drillbit money, but he wanted to make movies. He risks his life by test flying his own planes to set records. He has such a passion for aviation that he buys Transcontinental & Western Air while shattering the record for flying around the world.
Why does he do this? Again, he knows what attracts the people and he sees the profitability of public airline travel. His plans for flying at higher altitudes (less turbulent flights) and longer distances changed the game and made him more money. During this time, Hughes becomes a consultant for the American government and aids the war effort. With the combined stress of filmmaking, managing an airline, and consulting for the government, Hughes’ OCD begins to create obstacles in his daily life.
Howard seems to have an obsession with people knowing his name and associating his name with great things. He was already incredibly wealthy from drillbit money, but he wanted to make movies. He risks his life by test flying his own planes to set records. He has such a passion for aviation that he buys Transcontinental & Western Air while shattering the record for flying around the world.
Why does he do this? Again, he knows what attracts the people and he sees the profitability of public airline travel. His plans for flying at higher altitudes (less turbulent flights) and longer distances changed the game and made him more money. During this time, Hughes becomes a consultant for the American government and aids the war effort. With the combined stress of filmmaking, managing an airline, and consulting for the government, Hughes’ OCD begins to create obstacles in his daily life.
After the Plane Crash
Hughes hits a low point when once he learns that the Air Force has pulled their contract for the Hercules and TWA has been grounded by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). Rather than choose between funding one of the two, Hughes again bets on himself.
Hughes’ dinner with Senator Owen Brewster is indicative of his unwillingness to show weakness. Just months after being released from the hospital, Howard refuses to use his cane. Sen. Brewster intentionally leaves a thumbprint on Howard’s drinking glass and serves him rather suspicious looking fish in order to make him uncomfortable. Still, Howard calmly eat and drinks as if nothing were wrong.
Hughes confronts his fear when he decides to come out of seclusion and face Brewster at a public hearing in front of tons of cameras and people rather than sell TWA to Pan-Am. At the hearing, Hughes ignores the audience and immediately goes after Brewster. He proves that he was only investigated because of his TWA’s rivalry with Pan-Am, not because of alleged war profiteering. Additionally, Hughes reveals Brewster’s conflict of interest with Pan-Am when asking him if he wrote any of the words in his own bill.
Hughes hits a low point when once he learns that the Air Force has pulled their contract for the Hercules and TWA has been grounded by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). Rather than choose between funding one of the two, Hughes again bets on himself.
Hughes’ dinner with Senator Owen Brewster is indicative of his unwillingness to show weakness. Just months after being released from the hospital, Howard refuses to use his cane. Sen. Brewster intentionally leaves a thumbprint on Howard’s drinking glass and serves him rather suspicious looking fish in order to make him uncomfortable. Still, Howard calmly eat and drinks as if nothing were wrong.
Hughes confronts his fear when he decides to come out of seclusion and face Brewster at a public hearing in front of tons of cameras and people rather than sell TWA to Pan-Am. At the hearing, Hughes ignores the audience and immediately goes after Brewster. He proves that he was only investigated because of his TWA’s rivalry with Pan-Am, not because of alleged war profiteering. Additionally, Hughes reveals Brewster’s conflict of interest with Pan-Am when asking him if he wrote any of the words in his own bill.
Relationship With Katharine Hepburn
Howard and Katharine Hepburn have a unique rapport because they initially see each other as stereotypical celebrities before learning of their respective inner conflicts. Hepburn forms a close bond with Howard because of her awareness and sympathy toward his condition. Howard shows his comfort with Kate when he teaches her how to fly and shares a bottle of milk with her, despite his germaphobia.
When Howard expresses his joy that the news of his speed record would be made public through the press, Kate cautiously tells him that no matter how much the press may praise him, they will turn on him just as quickly if they find skeletons in his closet. Although Howard is clearly perturbed, this information strengthens his trust in Kate, and he opens up to her about his OCD and fear of going insane. To assure Howard of her commitment, she promises to help him in the event that he cannot take care of himself.
Unfortunately, the relationship fails because Hughes devotes more time to his job than her. Hepburn even remarks that “there’s too much Howard Hughes in Howard Hughes” meaning that too much of the celebrity exists in the man.
It’s obvious that Howard still has feelings for Kate after their breakup when he makes backdoor deals to purchase photos of her and Spencer Tracy in an effort to get their story out of the news.
Kate, remaining true to her promise, tries to help Howard when he goes into seclusion. Howard clearly appreciates her integrity, but he pushes her away when he recognizes that she truly loves Spencer Tracy and he doesn’t want to burden her with his problems.
Howard and Katharine Hepburn have a unique rapport because they initially see each other as stereotypical celebrities before learning of their respective inner conflicts. Hepburn forms a close bond with Howard because of her awareness and sympathy toward his condition. Howard shows his comfort with Kate when he teaches her how to fly and shares a bottle of milk with her, despite his germaphobia.
When Howard expresses his joy that the news of his speed record would be made public through the press, Kate cautiously tells him that no matter how much the press may praise him, they will turn on him just as quickly if they find skeletons in his closet. Although Howard is clearly perturbed, this information strengthens his trust in Kate, and he opens up to her about his OCD and fear of going insane. To assure Howard of her commitment, she promises to help him in the event that he cannot take care of himself.
Unfortunately, the relationship fails because Hughes devotes more time to his job than her. Hepburn even remarks that “there’s too much Howard Hughes in Howard Hughes” meaning that too much of the celebrity exists in the man.
It’s obvious that Howard still has feelings for Kate after their breakup when he makes backdoor deals to purchase photos of her and Spencer Tracy in an effort to get their story out of the news.
Kate, remaining true to her promise, tries to help Howard when he goes into seclusion. Howard clearly appreciates her integrity, but he pushes her away when he recognizes that she truly loves Spencer Tracy and he doesn’t want to burden her with his problems.
Themes
Ambition
Howard Hughes’ need to do something bigger, better, or faster than ever before permeates throughout the entire movie. His aspirations span across multiple industries. He wants to make the biggest movies and fly the fastest airplanes. In order to achieve these goals, he sacrifices his sanity. He doesn’t go completely insane, but he does become mentally unstable. The combination of burying himself in work and dealing with his worsening OCD and chronic pain due to plane crash injuries led to him living alone. That uncontrollable ambition ultimately drove away those close to him. Nevertheless, that ambition is what allowed Howard Hughes to still impact the world today, nearly forty years after his death.
Ambition
Howard Hughes’ need to do something bigger, better, or faster than ever before permeates throughout the entire movie. His aspirations span across multiple industries. He wants to make the biggest movies and fly the fastest airplanes. In order to achieve these goals, he sacrifices his sanity. He doesn’t go completely insane, but he does become mentally unstable. The combination of burying himself in work and dealing with his worsening OCD and chronic pain due to plane crash injuries led to him living alone. That uncontrollable ambition ultimately drove away those close to him. Nevertheless, that ambition is what allowed Howard Hughes to still impact the world today, nearly forty years after his death.
CITATION
Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2016.
- For the plot
Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2016.
- For the plot