Oscars Edition - The Aviator
The Aviator, Directed by Martin Scorsese
With an acclaimed 11 Oscar nods, "The Aviator" seems a worthy place to start this new series of Oscar Edition posts. Being the film with the highest number of nominations, there are many things to consider.
The overall style of "The Aviator," I believe was good. I appreciated Martin Scorsese's attempt at placing the audience within the cinematic time period for each successive year taking place in the film. This is especially noteworthy during a scene where Hughes meets Errol Flynn at the ritzy Coconut Club for the first time. An entree is served to Hughes and the peas which accompany the main dish appear in blueish tint. This is Scorsese's re-creation of the film coloring available to the industry during the 30's. As the film progresses, one will notice the coloring of certain sequences does as well, and eventually it becomes livelier and much more full. Have to say, this caught me off guard a bit at first, but I think it served it's purpose, and as I mentioned before I did appreciate its use.
Leo. He's been all over the spectrum when it comes to acting. I've always called him a "B" actor despite some of his better (Gilbert Grape) and poorer (Titanic, Romeo & Juliet) performances. Regarding his role in "The Aviator," as with "Catch Me if You Can," this is a performance for Leonardo that is on the upswing. He does well. Their are a number of sequences by which I was heartily impressed, specifically his characteristical portrayal of the lesser known obsessive compulsive traits of Howard Hughes, and even the sheer vigor and audacity of his empire building leadership.
Troubling to his performance, however, are his scenes alongside the brilliant Cate Blanchett. Cate is jaw dropping as Katharine Hepburn, so much so that you forget this is Cate. This I believe is the sign of a truly terrific actor; when they are able to disengage your recognition of the actor, and you see only the character being portrayed. Likewise, with "The Aviator," you forget this is Cate entirely. You see Katharine Hepburn, and this in turn serves to disadvantage Leo, as he just doesn't produce in these terms, Gilbert Grape aside. To his credit, there are few who can, and it is unfortunate for Di Caprio as Scorsese has a habit of casting Di Caprio alongside these monumental actors. In "Gangs of New York," he was cast alongside Daniel Day Lewis, probably one of the better actors of all time, and there was simply no contest. All to say while watching "The Aviator," I felt like I was watching not, Howard Hughes, but Leonardo Di Caprio portraying Howard Hughes, but a good performance by Di Caprio portraying Howard Hughes nonetheless.
One other troubling aspect of "The Aviator" which in my opinion jeopardizes its Oscar contendability, were some sequences of broken continuity. An episode again held in the lavish Coconut Club reveals a dialogue between Hughes and Pan-Am giant Juan Trippe, portrayed by Alec Baldwin. One need not watch even carefully to find some (seemingly) glaring editing problems, which break the comfortable semblance of continuity. The 15 year-old Hughes’ mistress, Faith Domergue, seated alongside Howard is steadily consuming an ice cream sundae, as the exchange between Hughes and Trippe intensifies. Noticeably, the spoon Domergue is using can be seen switching hands, disappearing, reappearing, and even Faith herself appears to have unfeasibly shifted positions in her chair, all within the use of a few short cuts. Unfortunately for Scorsese, this is not an isolated incident of an apparent editing gaffe. There were at least two other instances in what appeared to be an uncomfortable break in continuity. Perhaps he meant these purposefully, though if this were the case I believe the edits would have appeared a bit more refined, and less choppy. It is the humble opinion of this aspiring filmmaker, that “The Aviator,” should not have received a nomination in the category for "Film Editing."
Regarding the subject of questionable nominations, I failed to see the feasibility for Alan Alda in the category for “Best Actor in a Supporting Role.” Alda was fine as Maine Senator, Ralph Owen Brewster. Though nothing in this performance seemed to really hint at the two words ‘Oscar Contender.’ My guess is that it was one of those “he’s neither been nominated for, nor received an Oscar,” kind of pity nomination. This generally serves to infuriate as it robs legitimate actors of just acclaim.
Lastly, in the surprise performance of the film, Kate Beckinsale does a wonderful job in her portrayal of Ava Gardener. After the mediocre role of Nurse Lt. Evelyn Johnson in “Pearl Harbor,” and the simply awful Anna Valerious in horrible film “Van Helsing,” there was an obvious little to expect from Kate. Beckinsale, however, played a convincing Ava Gardener (for what little I know of Gardener) and hence I stood very impressed, not to mention somewhat inquisitive of her future roles.
“The Aviator” is a good film and certainly worth seeing. I don’t think it will settle into my top 5 for 2004, however. Thus, if it manages to take home the coveted award for "Best Picture" (which I believe is likely), you can once again, color me an Academy agnostic.
(next up: Million Dollar Baby)
13 Comments:
Yes, yes, and yes.
(P.S. I was giddy with excitement when I saw this post. I respect your thoughts on film and look forward to them very much)
James, good thoughts all around on "The Aviator." I saw the movie with Rachel, about a month ago. I loved the movie, all the way around. I haven't given the individual performances much thought, nor the editing, but I have to say that after reading your insights, I have to agree. Blanchett was great, I could hardly believe it was her. DiCaprio had a very good performance. However, I he would have been more convincing had they aged him a little more from the beginning of the film (when he was supposed to be 19), to the near end of the film when he was in the legal hearings (he's supposed to be around 42 I think). He still had a boyish face, no wrinkles, just a mustache. Anyhow, it was a great movie, and I highly recommend anyone to see it. It is over 3 hours long, but it doesn't feel like it.
Alex, yes I agree with the aging part. This also lent itself to seeing Leonardo as, Leonardo Di Caprio portraying Howard Hughes, and not seeing only Howard Hughes.
I actually thought of this as I was writing the post, though neglected to include it. Thanks for bringing to our attention.
Sometimes it seems as though the only role that Leo's countenance is good for is Peter Pan... :) And as you said, he definitely can't compete with Ms. Blanchett, who seems to have been making very good choices of late, and taking full advantage of them.
I really enjoyed The Aviator, but would agree it wasn't one of the five best films of the year. I think my enjoyment was at least in part derived from the fact that it's so much better than the travesty that was "Gangs of New York." Compared to that film it was a refined beauty, but at times it still felt like it sprawled a little too much.
Hey, what do you know...another James! I would ask how you found me, though I believe you are the James from the Masen/Dark Discussion boards, yes?
Well, Mr. Stewart glad to have you in these parts. Am always glad to hear your reflections. And I will say regarding "Gangs of New York," that I agree with your assesment, but I found myself wanting to see the film again, just for the performance of Daniel Day Lewis.
Yep, that's me. James Stewart, webmaster@sarahmasen.com etc. I would post under another moniker if it weren't for blogger's unflexible commenting system...
I've been realising more and more that I approach films from a big-picture perspective, so I can find it difficult to appreciate acting performances if I'm not taken with the structure. I need to find a way past that, but it does mean I barely remember Mr. Day Lewis' performance!
oh man have you opened a can of worms.
good post. a few comments. (first one is NOT directed for you, james, as we've had the conversation, but to anyone reading along)
in regard to leo's performance: there are maybe a handful of actors working today that can truly be lost in characters they play. blanchett is one, day-lewis is another. but for each of them, there are a hundred hankses and dicaprios. fine actors, but TOO recognizable. it is not leo's fault that kate ruled his world, but it does make a great performance look good at best in comparison.
as for the editing...i L-O-V-E love that you noticed all of the continuity errors. i didn't necessarily see them, and that attention to detail is why your eye as a director is going to be so good in the future. but the diting oscar is a joke. i mean, "traffic" won in editing a few years ago and that thing was a mess.
finally in regard to ms. beckinsale: she is easily in my top 10 despite the fact that she thinks it's a good idea to do horrible movies. don't believe me? check out "much ado about nothing" "cold comfort farm" and (for a good performance in a terrible piece of crap) "brokedown palace." heck, she even made "serendipity" watchable...along with the man, cusack, of course.
yes, the unflexible commenting system is noted. So for now, all fellow commenters will have to draw the distiction from the use of the upper and lower case "j"'s. Hear that folks? I'm lower. He's upper.
And Cade, thanks for the words. I admit that I am less versed in Beckinsale's films. I even threw in "Underworld" and its soon to be released sequel, along with bad films like "Helsing" and refused to see it. But perhaps I should change as such, as mentioned in my post.
Re: Cate Blanchett: I just wanted to say that I think even when she makes "bad" film choices, her acting is still flawless and convincing and thus redeeming to any piece.
And, James, your comment about how good acting means you forget the actor leads me to my rant about actors like Julia Roberts getting an Academy Award (although, I have a love-hate for the AA's but that is another story for another day). Roberts does nothing to make herself disappear, even as Erin Brockovitch (sp?). She laughs/snorts that same laugh in every movie, walks the same way (I can imitate her walk), etc. It just pisses me off because, hello! Study your damn character!
Before I digress, I will grant that "Closer" was the closest she's come to the aforementiond disappearance of self.
oh wait, I just thought of another thing, and maybe you can answer this for me. Sometimes I think actors' personal style/preference of dress comes through in every movie they do to the point where it seems like they told the costume people what they'll be wearing. Save for Erin Brock., Roberts dressed the same in every movie. Same goes for Meg Ryan.
Oh, wait, Your post was about Aviator? Sorry for the hijack.
Definately agree on the Roberts thing. I think her performance in the film "Closer" was more of a disappearance of self due to the "Keanu Factor," or a thereby more believable character due to one's playing themself; i.e. "Bill and Ted's"
not to sound like i'm nagging, but it's "best perfomance by an actor/actress" not "best character presented by an actor/actress."
good acting should move you, not necessarily mask the actor. ie. morgan freeman is the man, but none of his amazing performances over the years have made me forget that it was him up there.
basically, if someone like blanchett or day-lewis (in "gangs") uses a voice or mannerisms completely not their own (or voice and face as nicole kidman did in "the hours") to separate themselves from a character, it shouldn't be the only factor for a great performance. they have to also PROVIDE a great performance.
personally, i loved julia in "brokovich." hands down her best performance to that point. it's just not the same kind of good as say, charlize theron in "monster." too different to compare.
there are two schools...1) subtle, powerful performances that make you feel it through the screen. and 2) great charicatures that involve amazing physical separation from the actor.
whether one is more deserving of an award than the other, is impossible to argue.
Freakin nag! Just kidding. Yes Cade and I have already discussed this, but just for the sake of all, my contention point as it specifically relates to "the Aviator," was more the Di Caprio (good performance not masking the actor) alongside Blanchett (great performance masking the actor). You do this and one upstages the other in my opinion. Often unavoidable, but that's just my 2 cents.
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