Comments on: THE AVIATOR Review – Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett d: Martin Scorsese

By: Maxim

Maxim — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 07:19:50 +0000

The opening of this review is as unfair as it is misguided (and the use of the word "would" borders on a provocation). Spielberg does not deal in superficiality or needless glitz. His dramatic work delivers on multiple levels, not the least of which is realism and substance. And imaging him taking on a big figure, be it Kane or upcoming Lincoln, carries nothing if not a promise of thoroughness and greatness. The cheap shots are just that and, frankly, any review that feels it needs to grab attention in such a hyperbolic and inflexible way does little to make the review appear worth taking seriously.

And that's not going into how it sells the wonderfully unpredictable Barry Levenson short. Ever seen The Diner or Avalon?

By: Nathan Donarum

Nathan Donarum — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 02:44:48 +0000

I think Raging Bull is probably Scorsese's best film, at least in terms of his directorial achievement. It's really a brilliant character study. I need to watch it again as well, but I was blown away the first time I saw it.

By: Andre Soares

Andre Soares — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 02:42:13 +0000

Uh-oh. We don't quite agree on this one. Unlike you, I was eager for "The Aviator" to land so I could go home. The slickness of the production was impressive, but its overall superficiality bothered (and bored) me. I much prefer the Martin Scorsese of "Taxi Driver" or the much-criticized "Gangs of New York." Curiously, I'm not a "Raging Bull" admirer. Gotta watch that one again.

By: Nathan Donarum

Nathan Donarum — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 04:37:53 +0000

I'm actually surprised that I agree with a lot of the points you make here. I actually enjoyed The Aviator quite a lot. But then again I admit to being biased when it comes to Scorsese, who's admittedly my favorite filmmaker of all time. I also agree with you that DiCaprio is one of the most talented actors today. Which makes it difficult for me to admit that this movie does, in fact, have a number of (if we're being honest) pretty obvious flaws. I especially take your point about understanding Hughes psyche to heart. I think this is perhaps the key flaw of the movie, but a flaw that for me doesn't derail what is otherwise an entertaining film. Scorsese has a tendency to explore characters who are on the outside, who don't completely fit in with their environment, with the people around them. One need look no further than Travis Bickle. Even Henry Hill, who it could be argued was completely a part of his world, makes it clear that he can't be: he's half Irish, and can never be a made man. Now look at Howard Hughes, who is again of that type. Perhaps it would have been a more compelling and more Scorsesian film if we got a movie about Hughes from a more psychological point of view. But regardless, I think Scorsese weaves a grand story, and personally, I found the 169 minutes more than bearable. I think the point overall is that, as you say, Scorsese was seeing what he could do with a huge budget. Even if it's not a complete success, nor one of his best movies, I still find it to be more entertaining than the majority of junk Hollywood craps out on a weekly basis.

By: Leonardo

Leonardo — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:19:40 +0000

I watched The Departed at the movies by myself, leaving my husband at home with our two girls. He is a wonderful actor without over exposing himself. I like that very much about him, not to mention he is hot.