Film review: Aviator flies high

In Martin Scorcese's new movie The Aviator, Howard Hughes loves three things: aviation, beautiful women, and soap. He flies fast, loves hard, and washes his hands, a lot. I got three themes in Howard's life from this film: ambivalence toward his money, a burning need for adventure (expressed through aviation), and a really serious case of germ phobia. Howard's intense and crippling fear of germs is really the central theme of this film; it's the place to hang your hat, the refrain in this song of Hughes' life.

This is a critical story telling tool because The Aviator is really three movies in one. The first movie is about his germ phobia, the second is about his airplanes and airline, and the third is about his movie business and the beautiful women it brings him.

The opening scene sets the tone for the movie. In a large dark living room in front of a fireplace, little Howard Hughes' mother is giving him a bath as she spells out a word for him to repeat: Q-U-A-R-A-N-T-I-N-E. "Quarantine," says Howard, and his mom goes on to explain the dangers of typhoid, yellow fever, and several other diseases from which she tells Howard, "You are not safe."

This scene acts a kind of preface to the story, and it colors your understanding of Hughes the rest of the way. The casting and acting in this film is great. Cate Blanchett is a stunning Katherine Hepburn; it's not an impression but a fantastic interpretation. I could watch an entire movie just about her and Hughes.

Dicaprio is a convincing Hughes; Kate Beckinsale plays his free and easy girlfriend, Ava Gardner, who knows he has other girls and doesn't care. Alec Baldwin's big voice suits his interpretation of Juan Trippe, Pan Am airlines founder, exceedingly well.

The soundtrack samples from four decades, and I think the selections fit their scenes quite well. Visually, of course, the film is excellent, and the eye candy ranges from faded 40's home movies, to big, bright, gin-soaked Hollywood parties, to the refined art deco elegance of Hughes' own home. I got my six dollars worth out of this film, and I think you will too.