13. Several producers, directors, and actors pursued making the ultimate Howard Hughes movie with only fair results. In 2004 Martin Scorsese released the ultimate portrait of this eccentric flamboyant personality. What was the film called?
From Quiz The Directors: Martin Scorsese
Answer:
The Aviator
"Melvin and Howard" (1980) was more admired by critics than audiences but did yield a Supporting Actress Oscar for Mary Steenburgen. But it was a fantasy with little about Howard Hughes.
Out of several books on Hughes, the 1993 non-fiction book "Howard Hughes: The Secret Life" by Charles Higham was chosen as it best depicted Hughes' obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The film traces Hughes' career from his business days, his contributions to aviation, his dominance of RCA film studios, his notable relationships, and his descent into reclusiveness and surrender to OCD.
One fascinating feature of the film is the supporting roles played by actors recreating some of the most charismatic and talented personalities of Hollywood such as Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes, Cate Blanchett as Katharine Hepburn, Kate Beckinsale as Ava Gardner, Jude Law as Errol Flynn, Gwen Stefani as Jean Harlow, and Kelli Garner as Faith Domergue.
The film received 11 Oscar nominations and five wins for Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Costume Design, Best Art Direction, and Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Cate Blanchett.