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The Aviator

2004 · Movie · PG-13 · 170 min · ★ 7.2 · 82% critics

Drama

A wealthy movie producer and aviation pioneer chases huge ambitions in Hollywood and the skies, taking bold risks that bring fame, power, and public scrutiny. As his success grows, private compulsions and fears increasingly complicate his work, relationships, and sense of control.

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Details
Years
2004
Release date
2004-12-17
Language
English
Rated
PG-13
Runtime
170 min
Critic score
82/100
TMDB rating
7.2/10 (5,849 votes)
Box office
$213,741,459
Budget
$110,000,000
About

You’ll like this if you enjoy ambitious biopics like Walk the Line or Darkest Hour, with big personalities and personal struggles; Not for you if long, sprawling character studies feel tiring.

Pros: strong lead performance; rich period atmosphere; compelling aviation drama | Cons: lengthy runtime; limited inner insight; uneven story balance

Themes

  • ladykiller
  • pilot
  • biography
  • based on true story
  • womanizer
  • phobia
  • aviation
  • period drama
  • u.s. congress
  • flying boat
  • test flight

Awards & recognition

  • Academy AwardBest Film Editing · 2005
  • Academy AwardBest Cinematography · 2005
  • Academy AwardBest Costume Design · 2005
  • Academy AwardBest Supporting Actress · 2005
  • Academy AwardBest Production Design · 2005
Show all 17 awards →
  • National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
  • Academy AwardBest Production Design · 2005 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Sound · 2005 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Film Editing · 2005 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Supporting Actor · 2005 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Writing, Original Screenplay · 2005 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Costume Design · 2005 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Director · 2005 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Picture · 2005 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Actor · 2005 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Supporting Actress · 2005 · nominated
  • Academy AwardBest Cinematography · 2005 · nominated

Cast & crew

Directed by Martin Scorsese