MAY 2017 161
Film review
W
arren Beatty’s passion
project,Rules Don’t Apply,
won’t be winning Academy
Awards any time soon, but
for those in love with old
Hollywood and fascinated by the myth and
legend of Howard Hughes, it may just fit the bill.
The central theme is a love story, with a
comedy built around it. Liberally peppered with
cameos large and small – Martin Sheen, Oliver
Platt, Candice Bergen, Ed Harris, Alec Baldwin,
Steve Coogan – Beatty’s tale focuses on a bright
young aspiring actress called Marla Mabrey (Lily
Collins) and the growing romance with her driver
Frank (Alden Ehrenreich). The path of true love is
never smooth, though, especially in Hollywood.
Both are devout children of God, saving
themselves for marriage, and Frank’s engaged to
his childhood sweetheart back home in Fresno,
but their biggest hurdle will be their boss – the
legendary, eccentric billionaire, Howard Hughes
(Warren Beatty). Marla is one of his “contract
actresses”, one of a collection of pretty girls lured
to the bright lights by Hughes and
his promise of a screen test and
stardom to follow. Hughes has one
rule – his drivers must NEVER
fraternise with the actresses;
punishment would be immediate
sacking. So, for now, religion and
ambition will overrule their desire.
Hughes is growing increasingly
reclusive, at a time when his
business interests are becoming
increasingly fraught. Frank and his
fellow driver Levar (MatthewTV3’s movie expertKate Rodgerviews the latest film interpretation of Howard
Hughes’ life, this one based around a comedic story of thwarted romance.Broderick) become his most trusted
confidants, keeping his secrets, holding the
world at bay and making sure he’s well
stocked with banana nut ice cream. Marla,
meanwhile, is becoming impatient. Months
have passed by with not a word from her
mysterious benefactor and she is desperate to
meet him face to face. Once that wish is
granted, however, things become very
complicated indeed.
It’s here where the film becomes a little
laborious in parts and would have benefitted
from some judicious cuts in the editing booth.
Beatty’s love of the Hughes legend is perhaps
responsible, and not just from where he sits in the
director’s chair. He infuses his performance with
an engaging oddball feel rather than the intensely
unhinged and probably more historically accurate
version of the man.
The performances are as reliable as you’d expect
and, in fact, it’s a real joy to watch Beatty back on
the big screen. Lily Collins as the feisty Marla
embodies old-school ingénue, and rising star
Alden Ehrenreich (soon to play Han Solo in an
upcomingStar Warsmovie) has a cheeky, winning
charm that cements their obvious attraction nicely.
Matthew Broderick has some great lines, which he
delivers with a dry, weary cynicism, reminding us
what a pro he is.
There have been films devoted
to the Hughes story before – most
recently (and most acclaimed)
Scorsese’sThe Aviatorwith
Leonardo DiCaprio and Cate
Blanchett.Rules Don’t Applyis
nowhere near that ballpark but it
doesn’t set out to be; it’s more a
gentle comedy laced with romance
and eccentricity – not exactly
memorable, but enjoyable enough.Rules Don’t Apply
Starring Warren Beatty, Lily Collins, Alden Ehrenreich,
Annette Bening and Matthew Broderick.
Written and directed by Warren Beatty.★★★
THE ALIEN FRANCHISE:Alien[DIRECTED BY RIDLEY SCOTT]Aliens[JAMES CAMERON]Alien3[DAVID FINCHER]
My binge-watch this month is not for the faint of heart! But if you love truly terrifying, iconic sci-fi, the time is ripe to watch
theAlienfranchise, in order to fully savour Sir Ridley Scott’s brand newAlien: Covenant, out this month. The 1979 original
Alien, directed by Ridley Scott, launched arguably the most fierce and enduring female action heroine of all time, helping Sigourney
Weaver to stardom. The film won an Oscar for its visual effects, creating an alien creature that would haunt our dreams for all eternity.
The sequel,Aliens, from director James Cameron, cemented the legend, and if you stop there, you’re all good to go forAlien: Covenant.
For the dead keen, follow it up with David Fincher’sAlien 3, although it’s not in the same category as its predecessors. Sweet dreams![ On screen]
“
Lily
Collins as
the feisty
Marla
embodies
old-school
ingénue.”
BINGE
WATCH