Soar into the dazzling yet turbulent world of The Aviator (2004), Martin Scorsese’s biographical epic about billionaire Howard Hughes — a man of brilliance, obsession, and innovation. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a powerhouse performance as Hughes, capturing both the glamour of his achievements and the torment of his spiraling mental health.
Think you know the details behind the mogul, the movies, and the machines? Test your knowledge with this 10-question trivia challenge and prove you’re cleared for takeoff as a true fan of The Aviator
The Aviator Trivia Questions & Answers
1) Who plays the role of Howard Hughes in The Aviator (2004)?
Correct Answer: Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a powerhouse performance as Howard Hughes, portraying the aviation tycoon’s ambition, charisma, and descent into mental illness with incredible nuance. His role earned him an Academy Award nomination and solidified his reputation as a serious dramatic actor.
2) Who directed The Aviator?
Correct Answer: Martin Scorsese
Martin Scorsese brought his signature style and intensity to this sweeping biopic. Known for his precise direction and character-driven storytelling, Scorsese captured both the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the claustrophobic tension of Hughes’s deteriorating mind.
3) What industry is Howard Hughes initially involved in?
Correct Answer: Film
Before fully diving into aviation, Hughes made his mark as a Hollywood producer, funding and directing big-budget films like Hell’s Angels (1930), known for its groundbreaking aerial combat scenes. His involvement in film allowed him to merge his passion for storytelling with his obsession with flight.
4) Which famous actress does Howard Hughes have a romantic relationship with?
Correct Answer: Katharine Hepburn
Hughes and Katharine Hepburn were romantically involved for several years. Their relationship is a central element in the film, and Hepburn is portrayed as both a grounding presence and a woman ahead of her time. Their eventual split marks a turning point in Hughes’s personal decline.
5) What mental health condition does Hughes struggle with?
Correct Answer: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Hughes suffers from severe OCD, which becomes increasingly debilitating throughout the film. His compulsions include hand-washing, repeating phrases, and isolating himself for long periods. Scorsese and DiCaprio worked closely with medical experts to accurately portray the condition.
6) What record-breaking plane does Hughes personally pilot?
Correct Answer: H-1 Racer
Hughes sets a speed record with his custom-built H-1 Racer, pushing the boundaries of aviation at the time. The plane’s streamlined design and high performance were revolutionary, reflecting Hughes’s relentless drive to innovate and dominate the skies.
7) What company does Hughes battle in court over airline competition?
Correct Answer: Pan Am
Hughes engages in a high-stakes battle with Pan Am and its powerful CEO, Juan Trippe, over control of international air routes. This conflict leads to a Senate hearing where Hughes famously defends his company, Trans World Airlines (TWA), and exposes corruption and favoritism.
8) Which character is portrayed by Cate Blanchett?
Correct Answer: Katharine Hepburn
Cate Blanchett won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of the legendary Katharine Hepburn. She captured Hepburn’s distinct voice, mannerisms, and spirit, creating one of the most acclaimed performances in the film.
9) What is the name of the massive wooden aircraft Hughes designs?
Correct Answer: The Spruce Goose
Officially called the H-4 Hercules, this enormous wooden seaplane became known as the Spruce Goose. Designed to carry troops during WWII, it was completed too late for wartime use. Despite criticism, Hughes famously piloted it for a short flight — proving it could fly.
10) How does the film end for Howard Hughes?
Correct Answer: He has a mental breakdown
The film ends with Hughes’s famous Senate hearing victory, but the final scene shows him in a state of psychological collapse. Repeating the phrase “the way of the future” while staring into space, the ending illustrates that despite external triumphs, Hughes was losing control internally.
