The Aviator

Went into this with mixed preconceptions, as I'm sure many people will. Scorsese will never again reach the heights and raw creativity of Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, but he can still make films like this, and make them bloody well! It's nice to see something of this scope - grandiose like the ideas of the man himself, sprawling and detailed. Doubts as to whether Di Caprio had the weight to pull off such a serious role must now be dispelled - he will still have his detractors, but here he delivers a sharp, thorough performance that doesn't give in to easy interpretations of mental illness and compulsion: an oscar nod beckons (but I'll hold reservations on whether he deserves to win until I've seen Jamie Foxx in Ray). The supporting cast are excellent too, especially the consistantly brilliant Cate Blanchett who pulls off the best Katherine Hepburn impression ever seen and embellishes it with a believable character to boot. And the whole thing left a lump in my throat, the pressence of which I can't decribe. Yes, Marty's back on form - here's hoping he gets the standing ovation he deserves come oscar night. Kx