🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Warren Beatty
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Release year: 2016
- Runtime (length): 2h 7min
- IMDb rating: 5.7/10 (12K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 55%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Howard Hughes hires a bunch of actresses, tells them not to date his drivers, and then… stuff happens, maybe love, maybe airplanes, maybe just Warren Beatty being Warren Beatty.
🍿 Rules Don’t Apply: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Arrival in Hollywood
In 1958, Marla Mabrey, a young and devout Baptist beauty queen, arrives in Hollywood with her mother, Lucy, under contract with Howard Hughes’ RKO Pictures. They are met by Frank Forbes, an ambitious and equally religious young man working as their driver. The immediate attraction between Marla and Frank is complicated by their religious beliefs and Hughes’ strict rule forbidding relationships between employees and actresses.

Hughes’ Enigmatic World
As Marla and Frank navigate Hollywood, they find themselves drawn into the eccentric world of Howard Hughes. Hughes’ behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and his paranoia grows. Frank, hoping to impress Hughes, seeks to pitch him a real estate deal, while Marla yearns for a screen test that never seems to materialize. Their interactions with Hughes test their values and challenge their perceptions of success.

Forbidden Romance and its Consequences
Despite the risks, Marla and Frank’s feelings for each other deepen. Their relationship is a constant push and pull between their desires and their moral convictions. A pivotal moment occurs when, after a series of misunderstandings and temptations, Marla and Frank succumb to their attraction, leading to unforeseen consequences that further complicate their lives and force them to make difficult choices about their future.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Marla Mabrey (Lily Collins): A devout Baptist and aspiring actress who challenges her values and beliefs after signing a contract with Howard Hughes.
- Frank Forbes (Alden Ehrenreich): An ambitious and religious driver who finds himself torn between his values and his growing feelings for Marla while working for Howard Hughes.
- Howard Hughes (Warren Beatty): An eccentric billionaire and movie mogul whose enigmatic behavior profoundly impacts the lives of Marla and Frank.
- Lucy Mabrey (Annette Bening): Marla’s strict and protective mother, who is wary of Hollywood and Howard Hughes’ intentions.
- Levar Mathis (Matthew Broderick): Another driver and Hughes’ aide who is complicit in the eccentric billionaire’s strange world.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Frank Forbes: “You’re an exception. Rules don’t apply to you.” – Frank says this to Marla, highlighting her unique position in Hughes’ world and foreshadowing their forbidden relationship.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $25,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $3,652,206
- Worldwide Gross: $3,885,342
💥 Rules Don’t Apply Reviews
Personal Review
I went into Rules Don’t Apply expecting a quirky rom-com, and while it had moments of that, it was also just… weird. Beatty’s Howard Hughes was definitely something, but the movie never quite decided if it was *about* him or the young couple. Lily Collins was charming as always, and Alden Ehrenreich held his own, but I left feeling like the movie didn’t know what it wanted to be. I did love the old Hollywood vibe and the costumes!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of classic Hollywood films”
- “Viewers interested in Howard Hughes”
- “People who enjoy romantic dramas with a touch of comedy”
- “Those interested in stories about ambition and moral choices”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Brief drug use”
- “Suggestive content”
- “Language”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Rules Don’t Apply is a mixed bag, showcasing moments of brilliance and humor, but struggles to maintain a consistent tone and focus. Beatty’s portrayal of Hughes is captivating, yet the overall narrative feels somewhat disjointed, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential. The performances of the leads are very good, but the movie is not.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “While visually stunning and boasting a talented cast, Rules Don’t Apply meanders, failing to fully commit to any of its interwoven storylines. Beatty’s Hughes is intriguing, but the film often loses sight of its core narrative, resulting in a somewhat unfocused and ultimately underwhelming experience.
- RogerEbert.com: “Beatty’s return to directing is ambitious, but flawed. Rules Don’t Apply offers glimpses of charm and wit, particularly in its depiction of Hughes’ eccentricities. However, the film’s narrative structure feels uneven, preventing it from reaching its full potential. A movie with potential that it never realises.
Audience Reactions
The performances, especially Warren Beatty’s, were highly praised.: Most viewers found Warren Beatty’s portrayal of Howard Hughes to be the most compelling part of the movie, along with some other strong performances.
A number of reviewers said that the film was slow and boring.: Those that didn’t enjoy the movie felt it was confusing, and didn’t focus on anything in particular.
Overall Consensus: Rules Don’t Apply is a visually appealing but narratively uneven film, with Warren Beatty’s performance as Howard Hughes being a highlight. The inconsistent tone and muddled plot left many viewers feeling underwhelmed.
Awards
- Golden Globe (Best Actress – Musical or Comedy)- 2017
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Warren Beatty had been developing the Howard Hughes project for decades, with numerous iterations and casting changes before it finally came to fruition.”
- “Many of the costumes and set designs were meticulously researched to accurately portray the look and feel of Hollywood in the late 1950s and early 1960s.”
- “The film blends both fictional and real-life events from Howard Hughes’ life, taking creative liberties for dramatic and comedic effect.”
🖥️ How to Watch Rules Don’t Apply?
Rules Don’t Apply is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. Check services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Rules Don’t Apply, you might like these similar films:
- The Aviator (2004): Both movies explore the life and eccentricities of Howard Hughes, although ‘The Aviator’ focuses on an earlier period and his aviation achievements.
- Hail, Caesar! (2016): Similar to ‘Rules Don’t Apply,’ this film offers a comedic look at the Golden Age of Hollywood, with a focus on the behind-the-scenes chaos and eccentric personalities.
🛒 Rules Don’t Apply Related Products
- Howard Hughes: His Life and Madness: An insightful biography delving into the complex life of Howard Hughes, exploring his business ventures, eccentricities, and mental health struggles. A compelling read for anyone fascinated by the enigmatic billionaire.
- 1950s Retro Style Dress: Capture the glamorous look and feel of 1950s Hollywood with this elegant retro-style dress. Perfect for vintage-themed events or adding a touch of classic style to your everyday wardrobe.
- Aviation History Documentary Collection: Explore the history of aviation with this collection of documentaries, including segments on Howard Hughes’ contributions to the field. Get an in-depth look at the airplanes and innovations that defined an era.
- Vintage Aviation Poster Set: A set of classic aviation posters reminiscent of Howard Hughes’ era. Perfect for adding a vintage flair to your home or office, celebrating the golden age of flight.
🎧 Soundtrack
Rules Don’t Apply features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “The Rules Don’t Apply” – performed by Lorraine Feather and Eddie Arkin
- “Adagietto from Symphony No. 5” – performed by Gustav Mahler
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
While the film features Howard Hughes, a real historical figure, the romantic storyline between Marla and Frank is fictional. The film blends factual elements of Hughes’ life with a fictional narrative.
The main characters are Marla Mabrey (Lily Collins), Frank Forbes (Alden Ehrenreich), and Howard Hughes (Warren Beatty). The film primarily focuses on the relationships and conflicts between these three individuals.
Rules Don’t Apply is available on various streaming platforms, including Prime Video and Apple TV. You can also rent or purchase the film through digital retailers like Google Play Movies and Vudu.
🔥 Bonus Content
Warren Beatty On New Film ‘Rules Don’t Apply,’ Working With Wife Annette Bening | TODAY
Want to know what Warren Beatty *really* thinks about ‘Rules Don’t Apply’ and working with Annette Bening? This interview is super interesting; he gives some great behind-the-scenes details you won’t hear anywhere else!
Rules Don’t Apply Featurette – On the Story (2016) – Lily Collins Movie
Ever wonder where the story for ‘Rules Don’t Apply’ came from? This short featurette dives into the backstory, and honestly, it made me appreciate the movie even more. Give it a watch!
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