The Aviator (2004)

DVD CASE/SIDE

Length of film: 170 Minutes

Rated: PG-13

Genre: Biography, Drama

Director: Martin Scorsese

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, Alan Alda, John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law

IMDB Rank: 7.5/10

Part 1 Time: 101 Minutes

Part 2 Time: 69 Minutes

Where does the first part end?  Howard Hughes sits in his car getting over an obsessive-compulsive fit.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: Howard Hughes spells out then says the word “Quarantine.”

First line of dialogue on the second part: XF 11 Test flight Glenn Odekirk welcomes Generals to the XF 11 Test flight “General McEwan.”

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal, at this point in the film we understand that Howard has OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). The severity of the disorder is somewhat worsening, but this is unknown to the general public. Professionally Howard is doing quite well with the development of the XF 11 reconnaissance aircraft and the H-4 Hercules.

Which part is better? Part two is superior due to the content documenting Hughes plane crash in Beverly Hills, Hughes testifying against the Senate, and the test flight of the H-4 Hercules. Leonardo DiCaprio does a phenomenal job showcasing the effects of Hughes worsening OCD.

Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actress (Cate Blanchett), Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Picture (Nominated), Best Leading Actor (Nominated-Leonardo DiCaprio), Best Supporting Actor (Nominated- Alan Alda), Best Director (Nominated), Best Writing (Nominated), Best Sound Mixing (Nominated).