The film was produced by Sandy Climan, Graham King, and Charles Evans Jr. It was released on December 25, 2004. The movie's score was composed by Howard Shore. Narrative The Aviator chronicles a critical period in the life of Howard Hughes, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. The story begins in the late 1920s, showcasing Hughes' early career as a filmmaker and aviation enthusiast. Hughes sets a world airspeed record and subsequently becomes a prominent figure in Hollywood. However, as the story progresses into the 1940s and '50s, Hughes' mental health begins to deteriorate, illustrating his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and his growing reclusiveness.