Follows the life of Howard Hughes as the twentysomething millionare, having already made a fortun improving the design of oil-drilling bits, who comes to Hollywood with an interest in getting into the picture business. It doesn't take long for the Hughes to jump from producer to director of his first major film project, a World War I air epic. The film was a massive hit, and the eccentric inventor became a mogul in Hollywood, making Jean Harlow a star and enjoying a romance with Katherine Hepburn. But Hollywood's old-boy network never fully accepted Hughes, and in time his passion for flying began to reclaim his attentions. In time he began designing new planes, setting air speed records, flying around the world, and risking his life testing aircraft. Hughes also found time to romance Ava Gardner and founded his own airline, Trans-World Airlines. As his ideas became bolder and more ecentric, he gained many powerful enemies.
General Note
Special features: Audio commentary by Martinn Scoresese; "Howard tells Ava about his car accident" - deleted scene; Modern Marvels: Howard Hughes" a 45 minute documentary by The History Channel; "A life without limits": the making-of 'the aviator' featurette; the role of Howard Hughes- in aviation history; an evening with Leonardo DiCaprio and Alan Alda; OCD panel discussion with Leonardo DiCaprio, Martinn Scorsese and Howard Hughes' widow Terry Moore; The age of glamour" featurette; " The hair and make-up of 'The aviator; " featurette; the visual effects of "the aviator'; photo gallery