Opened: December 25, 2004

Directed by: Martin Scorsese

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, John C. Reilly, Kate Beckinsale, Alec Baldwin, Alan Alda, Ian Holm, Danny Huston, Gwen Stefani, Jude Law, Willem Dafoe, Adam Scott, Matt Ross, Kevin O’Rourke, Kelli Garner, Frances Conroy, Brent Spiner, Stanley DeSantis, Edward Hermann, J.C. MacKenzie, Josie Maran & Kenneth Welsh

Being able to see the greatness a person can achieve while they personally struggle is something not easy to accomplish well in a film, but director Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio are able to do that with Howard Hughes.

Beginning in 1927, Howard Hughes (DiCaprio) is directing the infamous Hell’s Angels. As time goes on, he becomes a successful Hollywood film producer and aviator, but grows unstable due to having obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

DiCaprio dives into Hughes’ self-downfall and will make you feel uncomfortable, but sympathetic. As is the norm, DiCaprio’s performance is so impressive, you’ll forget you’re not watching the real person. Cate Blanchett also gives a beautifully dynamic performance as Katharine Hepburn.

Making different years look distinct through costumes and colorations is done brilliantly and gives the film life.

Final say: A masterpiece. ★★★★★