The filmmaker Martin Scorsese called an outlaw and a visionary: “Never will be topped”
Being an uncompromising outlaw is precisely what has made Martin Scorsese a cinematic treasure with a jaw-dropping catalogue of impressive pictures, including the likes of Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, King Of Comedy, After Hours, The Last Temptation Of Christ, and Goodfellas. The diminutive New York maestro is an incredibly influential presence in cinema history, with his films impacting a great deal of filmmakers over the years.
Scorsese is known for his often graphic, pull-no-punches style and frequent depictions of brutality. In keeping with this style, his films often centre around the lives of criminals, as he looks to bring the underbelly to the fore. However, in 2004, Scorsese ventured towards a different kind of outlaw. The Aviator stars Leonardo DiCaprio as the legendary entrepreneur and film producer Howard Hughes.
Hughes, of course, was an American visionary who found success in both the film and aviation industries, producing and even directing a variety of films. However, his directorial efforts are relatively limited and not particularly well-known, with Hell’s Angels (1930) standing out as perhaps his most notable work in that role. The film, a World War I epic, is often regarded as a significant achievement, showcasing Hughes’ ambition and pioneering spirit, particularly in its groundbreaking aerial sequences.
Mostly, though, Hughes was a prolific and prosperous producer, with productions that included none other than the Howard Hawks-directed gangster film Scarface, which was initially released in 1932 and famously remade by Brian De Palma in 1983. It was in this guise where quotes like, “Every man has his price, or a guy like me couldn’t exist,” would come to define him.
Given Hughes’ successful, complicated, and ultimately tragic life, as well as his influence on the film industry, it’s no surprise that Scorsese wanted to adapt his story to the screen. In an interview with Chud, Scorsese explained that “Howard Hughes was this visionary, was obsessed with speed and flying like a god above everyone else.” It’s this attitude that likely made Hughes such a successful producer. Although Scorsese noted that Hughes was “as rich as one of the Greek mythical kings, King Croesus,” he also said Hughes was “ultimately having to pay that price, too”.
Scorsese goes on to describe Hughes as “the outlaw of Hollywood” for his dedication and commitment to his style of filmmaking. He suggests that Hughes may not have been the best director, going on to state that “I think Scarface is a better picture than Hell’s Angels“. However, Hughes’ expansive vision and relentless pursuit of greatness as both a director and, more importantly, a producer no doubt contributed to Scarface’s excellence.
Scorsese goes on to say that “Hell’s Angels is still a great film experience, particularly in its restored version. I mean really, it’s quite something on a big screen,” noting that Hughes’ aerial sequences in particular “have never and never will be topped”. Hughes’ obsession with aviation was likely a contributing factor in the success of these aerial sequences, with his passion and knowledge for the subject practically shining through the screen.
Howard Hughes might have become an even more prolific contributor to the film industry, but his passion for aviation kept him from fully committing to the world of cinema. In 1932, he founded the Hughes Aircraft Company, where he made significant strides in aviation before his eventual decline, leading to his self-imposed seclusion in 1950. Hughes remains one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic and maverick figures, a man whose dual obsessions with film and flight left an indelible mark on both industries.
