It seems DiCaprio stumbled upon a Hughes biography seven years ago and pitched the idea for the film. John Logan was commissioned to write the script and Scorsese agreed to direct. The film focuses on about 20 years of Hughes' life and follows three basic plots: his attempt to make it in the movie business, his love of flying, and his dynamic business deals, not to be beaten by a competitor nor intimidated by a politician. It also spends time on his eccentricities.

He comes off as a risk taker, willing to make his own decisions, and if needed back his ideas with his own money. The tenacity with which he goes after Pan Am to get his TWA planes to fly internationally is amazing. Alec Baldwin plays the vicious head of Pan Am who pulls no punches in his attempt to preserve the monopoly on foreign flights. DiCaprio's testimony in court near the end of the film is a brilliant piece of acting and will hold you spellbound.

The soundtrack is wonderful, the flying scenes breathtaking and the acting by the entire cast is super . This is a must see for any serious moviegoer.