Rules Don’t Apply Parent Guide

Life is full of rules – some written, others just understood. And each of the characters in this 1950s-era film comes with their own set of them. Except perhaps Howard Hughes (a real person played in this fictional story by Warren Beatty), who is a law unto himself.

Marla Mabrey (Lily Collins) is an aspiring song writer and beauty contest winner. She comes to Hollywood at the invitation of the wealthy Hughes to sign a contract promising her the lead role in an upcoming movie. Her mother (Annette Bening) follows along as a sort of chaperone to keep her religious and virtuous daughter on the straight and narrow while navigating the sinful terrain of Tinsel Town.

Frank Forbes (Alden Ehrenreich) works for Hughes as well – as a driver. His moral upbringing, commitment to his long-time fiancée (Taissa Farmiga) and willingness to obey the strict conditions of his employment (including never engaging in personal relationships with the pretty females he chauffeurs) keep him loyal to his boss despite his private ambitions to get into the real estate business.

It is not long after Frank is assigned to Marla that a feeling of mutual attraction blooms. As the pair are drawn more closely into the chaotic world of the eccentric billionaire, each of them starts to toy with the idea of being an exception to the rules. (Howard Hughes has believed that of himself all along.) Bit by bit they move away from the constraints that have previously defined their lives. And whether they realize it or not, the unavoidable consequences of their choices begin to creep into their happiness and dreams of the future. (Oddly, it never feels like the screenwriters acknowledge the connection between actions and outcomes either.)

With a strong cast (which also includes Matthew Broderick, Martin Sheen and Candice Bergen) and a script inspired by a mysterious figure, expectations for this production are high. Unfortunately, the potential is never realized. Rather it is tedious watching the magnetism of money, fame and pride erode Marla’s moral values, Frank self-confidence and Howard’s mind. (The latter’s demise is attributable to a cocaine addiction and growing paranoia too.)

Plodding through foul language, scenes of implied sexuality, constant smoking and drinking, along with depictions of dangerous flying, viewers are unlikely to notice the rather nice set design, cinematography and vintage cars. Instead the most memorable thing about the film is that it broke the most binding rule of all: The audience must care about the characters.

About author

Donna Gustafson

Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since the beginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also creates preview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.