Batman’s comb-over and Amy Adam’s SEO bait
Director: David O. Russell
Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner
Year Released: 2013
At multiple points in American Hustle’s production Christian Bale warned David O. Russell the plot was not making sense due to improvised dialog. Russell responded saying that he hated plots. Instead of a plot heavy caper, Russell has created a hectic story about con-artists that is so entertaining and hilarious that you actually care about the outcome of the characters.
American Hustle (originally titled American Bullshit, which I think is a much better title) is inspired by the true story of the ABSCAM sting operation. “Some of this actually happened” is the quote that begins the movie. Christian Bale and Amy Adams play Irving and Sydney, established con-artists who are forced to work with an FBI agent played by Bradley Cooper. They are targeting the mayor of Camden, New Jersey played by Jeremy Renner who has ties to corrupt officials. Complicating matters is Irving’s wildcard wife played by .gif generator Jennifer Lawrence who refuses to give him a divorce.
Russell uses 1978 as a setting for the actors to play dress-up and have fun with their characters. All the performances are great, giving Russell the rare second feat of directing Oscar nominations in all four acting categories. The chemistry between characters makes every scene entertaining to watch. Due to the weirdly structured plot, it is unpredictable. Without a good cast and good humour, it would be easy to lose interest in the movie. However, American Hustle never feels aimless or boring. The playground that Russell has created for his actors feels like the one you always wanted to play on as a little kid but your parents frowned on: an unsafe, untamed place where the thrill of the game outweighs the risk of getting caught.
Russell’s previous two movies, The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook, featured a lot more heart than this movie by focusing on one relationship each. Unlike those two where the marvellously acted characters felt like a foil to the main relationship, Hustle’s entire cast is given a great spotlight. A Robert DeNiro cameo steals the show and is a good reminder of the great acting connections Russell has made in the past several years. I am surprised that Mark Whalberg, another David O. Russell regular did not make an appearance.
American Hustle is one of the best movies of 2013. This genre blending blast from the past is full of great performances and somehow uses the song Live and Let Die better than the movie Live and Let Die did. With the acclaim of both audiences and critics, it is likely going to reign big at the Oscar’s. David O. Russell is on a hot-streak and he does not seem to be letting down.
American Hustle has been nominated for 10 Oscars. You can see the complete list of nominations here.
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