RULES DON'T APPLY (2016) watch online free

Rules Don’t Apply (2016) Watch Online
It’s Hollywood, 1958. Small town beauty queen and devout Baptist virgin Marla Mabrey, under contract to the infamous Howard Hughes, arrives in Los Angeles. At the airport, she meets her driver Frank Forbes, who is engaged to be married to his seventh grade sweetheart and is a deeply religious Methodist. Their instant attraction not only puts their religious convictions to the test, but also defies Hughes’ number one rule: No employee is allowed to have any relationship whatsoever with a contract actress. Hughes’ behavior intersects with Marla and Frank in very separate and unexpected ways, and as they are drawn deeper into his bizarre world, their values are challenged and their lives are changed.

Rules Don’t Apply is a curious blend of old-school Hollywood charm and personal eccentricities, directed by Warren Beatty. Set in the 1950s, it explores the fascinating yet chaotic world of Howard Hughes (played by Beatty), the billionaire aviator, filmmaker, and notorious recluse. The film primarily focuses on two young characters, Frank (Alden Ehrenreich), a limo driver aspiring for more, and Marla (Lily Collins), a rising starlet under Hughes’ contract. The central conflict arises from the forbidden romance between Frank and Marla, complicated by Hughes’ rule against relationships between his employees and actresses

The film is both a biographical sketch of Hughes’ later years and a romantic drama. However, while the movie does delve into the strangeness of Hughes’ eccentricities and his power over the people around him, it struggles with pacing, as it often shifts from one storyline to another

. This transition between two narrative threads—Hughes’ decline and the blossoming romance—can feel uneven, causing the movie to lose focus

. However, it’s the charm of the romance that stands out, with Ehrenreich and Collins delivering performances brimming with chemistry, making their story the heart of the film

Plot Summary:

Set in Hollywood during the 1950s, the film follows the lives of Frank, a naive but hopeful young man who works as a chauffeur for Hughes, and Marla, an aspiring actress who becomes a love interest for Frank. As the story progresses, the young lovers struggle to navigate the restrictive rules of Hughes’ contract, which forbids any romantic relationships. Their budding romance is further complicated by the increasingly erratic behavior of Hughes, who isolates himself from the world in bizarre and increasingly obsessive ways

Reasons to Watch:

1. Warren Beatty’s Return: Beatty’s performance as the eccentric and reclusive Howard Hughes is a standout. After a long absence from directing and acting, his portrayal offers a fascinating look at the late Hughes’ mind, marked by isolation and obsession
2. Engaging Romantic Plot: The chemistry between Alden Ehrenreich and Lily Collins as Frank and Marla is palpable. Their romance, sweet and filled with tension, is the emotional core of the film, providing a refreshing contrast to the chaotic backdrop
3. Nostalgic Hollywood Appeal: The film beautifully captures the glamour and allure of 1950s Hollywood, showcasing the glitz and the underlying darkness that defines the era. Fans of vintage Hollywood will appreciate the period details and production design
4. A Deeper Look at Power Dynamics: The movie examines the influence and control that Hollywood moguls, like Hughes, exert over their employees, particularly actresses. It sheds light on the restrictive and often manipulative world of the entertainment industry
5. Beatty’s Directorial Vision: While the film can be uneven, Beatty’s directorial style is unapologetically bold, with some unconventional storytelling choices that make the film distinct. His use of music, editing, and visual storytelling adds a layer of nostalgia and elegance

In summary, Rules Don’t Apply may not be perfect, but its exploration of love, ambition, and the complexities of fame set against the backdrop of Hollywood’s golden age makes it a unique and memorable experience for audiences who enjoy character-driven stories and historical drama.