"The Aviator" is a biopic about industrialist and aviation pioneer, Howard Hughes. But when he wasn't designing airplanes, he was making movies – much to the chagrin of the Hollywood establishment. The director of the film, Martin Scorsese, has had a bit of his own love-hate relationship going on with Hollywood. “Today” host Katie Couric talked with the five-time Oscar nominated director who's not worried if he'll strike Academy gold with his latest film.
Katie Couric: The Vegas odd makers have weighed in — “The Aviator” is a four to one favorite for best picture.
Martin Scorsese: Oh, that would be nice.
Couric: Would you bet on you?
Scorsese: No. [Laughter]
Scorsese’s not just modest, he's realistic. "Gangs of New York" marked the fifth time he was nominated but denied an Academy Award. And though "Gangs" garnered a total of 10 Oscar nominations, Scorsese’s leading man, Leonardo DiCaprio, was completely overlooked.
Leonardo DiCaprio: You know what? We all do the best we can. None of us have a guarantee, even if you work with some of the greatest people, you still don't have a guarantee. So you just try your best, that's all.
But now these Hollywood high-flyers are hoping "The Aviator" propels them both to loftier heights.
It began as a pet project for DiCaprio who knew Scorsese wouldn't exactly be eager to get on board.
Scorsese: I got the script — it was sent to me by Leo and our manager Rick — and they said, "We're not going to tell you what it is, just read it." I turned the page [and] it says, "The Aviator." I said, "Oh, I…," well, I mean I have a fascination with flying, but mainly because I'm not too comfortable flying.
Couric: You have a major fear of flying?
Scorsese: Major [Laughter] phobia of flying, yes. But as I continued to read, the way John Logan, the writer, put the script together, I realized it was about a Howard Hughes that I didn't know anything … about [a] youthful Howard Hughes.
The film chronicles the enigmatic billionaire's early years, when he pursued dual obsessions: producing big-budget motion pictures and revolutionizing air travel.
But Scorsese’s directorial resume, which includes classics like "Mean Streets" and "Taxi Driver," proves he's a storyteller drawn to tragic figures.
"The Aviator," however, breaks some new ground – it's also about redemption.
Scorsese: I'm not known for films which the underdog wins and that sort of thing. But in this case, against all the odds, he actually succeeds in at least defending his honor.
Couric: When all was said and done, did you admire Howard Hughes as a man? Clearly he's fascinating, but is he admirable?
Scorsese: I like him [but] I don't think I would have been very comfortable with him producing a picture and me directing. [Laughs]
Couric: How come? Because he was such a control freak and so are you?
Scorsese: Collaboration. We're talking about collaboration.
Couric: Yeah. [Laughter]
Scorsese: I collaborate with everybody. We get [them] together [and] you work it out, you work it out [and] you work it out.
And when he's not working as voice talent like in the film “Shark Tale,” he keeps busy planning his next production which doesn't leave him much time to contemplate whether or not "The Aviator" will fly with the Academy.
Scorsese: For me, the time has passed, the time has gone. I've got to look forward to other things — to the next kind of film I want to make and if I could grow as a filmmaker or somebody who thinks he has something to say.