One year after director David O. Russell was able to earn all four of his “Silver Linings Playbook” stars Oscar nominations in their respective categories (the first time that had been done in 30 years), he did it again with the extraordinary ensemble of “American Hustle”, which is a smart, chic, sophisticated con-caper that’s hugely entertaining.
A movie about scam artists has to be challenging and complex (and get even more so as the film goes along) and “American Hustle” delivers. You never know who’s in, who’s out, who’s working for who and where the story will go. The setting is the dynamic disco era of the late 70’s.
The men sport wild outfits and hairdos to match; the women wear very low-cut dresses and platform shoes. Amy Adams attracted lots of attention this Awards Season for two reasons: Not only does she gives the best performance of her career as Sydney, a small town girl who comes to NYC with big dreams, but she holds nothing back with her wardrobe.
“Hustle” is inspired by an actual event – the FBI Abscam operation. Christian Bale plays Irving Rosenfeld, a businessman whose greatest success is as a con man. He has a phoney money lending scheme, along with a wife and adopted son. Irving meets and falls in love with Sydney, and he invites her to become part of his illegal operation. The pair soon get involved with FBI Agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper), who has big dreams of his own. He needs their help to take down some major government officials so that he can make a name for himself at the Bureau. Promises are made, deals are done, but no one knows for sure who’s telling the truth and who’s planning to double-cross the other partners
And then there’s Irving’s wife, Rosalyn. She’s the “wild card” in the operation. Irving doesn’t want her involved, but she just can’t help herself. Jennifer Lawrence gives another wacky, off-the-hook performance as a mother trying to take care of her son, not burn down the house, and find love one way or the other. She won the Supporting Actress Golden Globe and was nominated for the Oscar. She’s just that good – simply remarkable.
“American Hustle” is electrifying from start to finish. There are plenty of comic and quirky situations to balance the high-stakes, dramatic moments. The stylized look of the 1970’s is fantastic, as is the score. And, just as he did with “SLP”, O. Russell gets inside each of these characters. We feel their desperation as they risk everything in an attempt to get what they want. Never has the phrase “desperate times call for desperate measures” been more appropriate.
But it’s the performances that elevate “American Hustle” to its status as one of the best films of the year. Bale is excellent, transforming himself, physically and emotionally, into his role. Cooper tops his own work as Pat in “SLP” with this portrayal as the overly-ambitious agent. Jeremy Renner is solid as a mayor trying to do the right thing. Comedian Louis C.K. nearly steals the show (and tells a heck of a fishing story) as Cooper’s boss. And THE Robert De Niro makes an uncredited, but important cameo as a ruthless mobster.
“American Hustle” is rated R for language, adult content, brief nudity and violence. It’s appropriate for older teens and up. O. Russell has, once again, made a serious movie, with seriously good performances, that’s also a lot of fun and challenges you to the final frame.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “American Hustle” gets an A-.