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Rules Don' Apply (2016)
 
Review
Just
like the case was with Howard Hughes himself, the rules of Hollywood
has never really applied to Warren Beatty, who ever since his major
financial and critical breakthrough with
Bonnie and Clyde in 1967 has
done things his own way and at his own pace – often to the annoyance
of studio executives, directors, and co-stars. Therefore, it is
quite fitting that when he now finally makes his first film in
almost twenty years (after
Bulworth
in 1998), it is about another headstrong character who
like Beatty was alternately admired and scorned by his
contemporaries. There are certainly enough similarities between the
two film moguls' careers to make Beatty casting himself in the lead
both ideal and ironic.
The
film opens with a young aspiring actress' (Lily Collins) arriving in
Hollywood looking to be picked up by Hughes' company. Although not
rooted in reality, the idea behind her character is fun and not at
all unrealistic. Her little romance with Hughes' driver Frank
(played by Alden Ehrenreich) is sweet, too. The problem is just that
the twisted love triangle which Beatty tries to create and construct
his film around never serves in the film's best interest. To put it
short, Rules Don't Apply never seems to agree with itself
whether it is a film about the ageing Howard Hughes with a little
subplot about a young starlet, or a film about two young lovers with
a little subplot about the ageing Howard Hughes. Knowing Beatty,
there are two possible explanations here: Either he wanted to make
the latter film, but became hung up on himself (again) during the
process. Or he wanted to make the former film, but became hung up
on the possibility of being a young beauty's leading man one last
time.
Still, if you're willing to accept the film's sometimes outrageous
premises, which to its defence probably will be a prerequisite for
any film about Howard Hughes, Beatty still boasts impeccable comedic
timing and has written some beautiful, funny scenes for himself and
the wonderful Lily Collins. There's enough interesting material in
Rules Don't Apply to fill two regular romantic comedies
coming out of Hollywood, and for that it should be hailed or at
least watched by a lot more people than did during its theatrical
run. Acting aficionados will also have several fine supporting
performances to enjoy, including from Matthew Broderick and, of
course, Annette Bening.
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