Warren Beatty, after a significant hiatus from directing, portrayed the enigmatic Howard Hughes in his 2016 film, Rules Don’t Apply. This marked Beatty’s return to the director’s chair and showcased his own interpretation of the legendary aviator, filmmaker, and business mogul.
A Masterful Return and a Complicated Character
Warren Beatty’s depiction of Howard Hughes in Rules Don’t Apply is not simply an impersonation; it’s an interpretation informed by decades of fascination and research. Beatty doesn’t aim to perfectly replicate Hughes’ physical appearance. Instead, he focuses on capturing the essence of the man: his obsessive behavior, his eccentricities, his inherent contradictions, and the profound loneliness that defined much of his later life. The film is less a biopic and more a love story set against the backdrop of Hughes’ increasingly bizarre and controlling world.
Beatty’s own history in Hollywood allows him to bring a unique perspective to the portrayal. He understands the allure of fame and fortune, the pressures of the studio system, and the inherent hypocrisy that often underlies the glittering facade. This understanding permeates his performance, lending it a nuanced authenticity that other portrayals may lack. He uses subtle gestures, a carefully modulated voice, and a haunted look in his eyes to convey the inner turmoil of a man grappling with his own demons.
The Hughes Myth: Deconstructing the Legend
Rules Don’t Apply doesn’t shy away from showcasing Hughes’ problematic aspects. The film acknowledges his manipulative tendencies, his control over the lives of those around him, and the potential for abuse that his wealth and power afforded him. However, it also attempts to humanize him, presenting him as a flawed individual struggling with mental health issues and a deep-seated fear of vulnerability.
The film portrays Hughes’ germophobia and increasing paranoia as driving forces behind his reclusive behavior, ultimately isolating him from genuine connection. It also explores his complex relationships with women, highlighting the power dynamics at play and the challenges they faced navigating his capricious personality. Beatty’s portrayal, while sympathetic in some respects, ultimately holds Hughes accountable for his actions and the impact they had on others. He presents Hughes not as a hero, but as a fascinating, flawed, and ultimately tragic figure.
A Director’s Eye: Shaping the Narrative
Beatty’s dual role as director and actor allows him to meticulously craft his portrayal of Hughes within the larger context of the film. He controls the narrative perspective, choosing which aspects of Hughes’ life to emphasize and how they are presented to the audience. The film is not a comprehensive biography; it’s a carefully curated glimpse into a specific period of Hughes’ life, viewed through the lens of a burgeoning romance.
Beatty’s direction ensures that Hughes, while a central figure, is not the sole focus. The film gives equal weight to the stories of the young starlet, Marla Mabrey (Lily Collins), and her driver, Frank Forbes (Alden Ehrenreich), providing a counterpoint to Hughes’ eccentricity and highlighting the impact his actions have on those around him. This balanced approach allows the audience to engage with the film on multiple levels, offering a richer and more nuanced understanding of the complex relationships that defined Hughes’ world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Warren Beatty’s Howard Hughes
Here are some frequently asked questions about Warren Beatty’s portrayal of Howard Hughes in Rules Don’t Apply, offering further insights into the character and the film.
H3: Why did Warren Beatty wait so long to make a film about Howard Hughes?
Beatty had been developing the project for decades. He reportedly struggled to find the right angle and was initially hesitant to portray Hughes himself. He wanted to capture the complexity of the man without resorting to caricature or hagiography. Finding the right co-stars (like Lily Collins and Alden Ehrenreich) and securing financing also contributed to the lengthy development process. The passage of time allowed Beatty to mature as an artist and develop a deeper understanding of the themes he wanted to explore.
H3: How did Beatty prepare for the role of Howard Hughes?
Beatty undertook extensive research, reading biographies, watching documentaries, and interviewing people who knew Hughes. He focused on understanding Hughes’ mannerisms, his speech patterns, and his psychological profile. He also reportedly underwent physical transformations to more closely resemble Hughes, although his approach was more about capturing the essence of the man than striving for exact physical imitation.
H3: What sets Beatty’s portrayal apart from other actors who have played Hughes?
Unlike many biopics that focus on Hughes’ early life and achievements, Beatty’s film concentrates on a later, more reclusive period. Beatty emphasizes Hughes’ internal struggles, his anxieties, and his vulnerability, painting a more human and less idealized portrait. He also incorporates elements of humor and self-deprecation, adding a layer of complexity to the character. The film’s focus on the burgeoning romance provides a different lens through which to view Hughes, focusing on the impact his actions had on the lives of those around him.
H3: Is Rules Don’t Apply a factual account of Howard Hughes’ life?
While the film draws inspiration from real events and people, it’s ultimately a fictionalized account. Beatty took creative liberties with the timeline and relationships to serve the narrative. The film is more interested in exploring themes of power, control, and the price of fame than in providing a strictly accurate historical record.
H3: How did audiences react to Beatty’s portrayal of Howard Hughes?
Reviews were mixed. Some critics praised Beatty’s nuanced performance and his willingness to explore the complexities of Hughes’ character. Others found the film self-indulgent and felt that Beatty’s portrayal lacked depth. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some appreciating the film’s unique perspective and others finding it confusing or unsatisfying.
H3: What is the significance of the film’s title, Rules Don’t Apply?
The title refers to the power and privilege that Howard Hughes wielded, allowing him to operate outside the conventional rules and expectations of society. It also alludes to the unconventional nature of his relationships and the ways in which he manipulated situations to his advantage. The phrase encapsulates the sense of entitlement and exceptionalism that defined Hughes’ world.
H3: Did Beatty consult with anyone who knew Howard Hughes personally?
While specific details are scarce, it is likely that Beatty consulted with individuals who had some connection to Howard Hughes during his research. Given the decades he spent developing the project, it’s reasonable to assume that he sought firsthand accounts to inform his portrayal.
H3: How does Beatty’s age affect his portrayal of Hughes?
Beatty was in his late 70s when he played Howard Hughes, which arguably allowed him to bring a certain gravitas and world-weariness to the role. He could convincingly portray the wear and tear of decades of fame, fortune, and the burden of Hughes’ increasingly erratic behavior. The age difference arguably adds a layer of vulnerability to the character, making him appear more fragile and less imposing.
H3: Does the film address Howard Hughes’ mental health issues?
Yes, Rules Don’t Apply explicitly depicts Hughes’ germophobia, paranoia, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. The film portrays these issues as significant factors contributing to his reclusive behavior and his difficulty forming meaningful relationships. While not explicitly diagnosing him with specific conditions, the film acknowledges the impact of mental health on Hughes’ life and decisions.
H3: What is the overall message of Rules Don’t Apply regarding Howard Hughes?
The film doesn’t offer a definitive judgment of Howard Hughes. Instead, it presents a complex and multifaceted portrait of a flawed individual grappling with his own demons. The message seems to be that even the most powerful and influential figures are ultimately human, subject to the same vulnerabilities and failings as everyone else. It also explores the corrupting influence of wealth and power.
H3: Is Rules Don’t Apply considered a box office success?
No, Rules Don’t Apply was not a box office success. It was a financial disappointment, failing to recoup its production budget. This may have been due to the mixed reviews, the film’s unconventional narrative structure, or the lack of widespread interest in the story.
H3: Where can I watch Rules Don’t Apply?
Availability can vary depending on your region and current streaming services. Check popular streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Hulu, or Netflix. You can also rent or purchase the film digitally through various online retailers. It is also often available on DVD and Blu-ray.
Ultimately, Warren Beatty’s portrayal of Howard Hughes in Rules Don’t Apply is a unique and thought-provoking interpretation of a legendary figure. While the film itself may have been divisive, Beatty’s commitment to exploring the complexities of Hughes’ character is undeniable. His performance invites viewers to consider the man behind the myth, and to grapple with the uncomfortable truths about power, control, and the human condition.