American Hustle is, quite simply, an excellent film. The plotting, casting, characters and writing are a far cry from the overly slick, mass-produced offerings we’ve become accustomed to.
By Keeva Stratton
David O. Russell (who has impressed with The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook) is quickly becoming one of the sought-after filmmakers of our era. As a writer/director, he seems to be able to bring together a talented cast and elicit their best performances with remarkable ease.
His characters are heartfelt and memorable despite their obvious flaws, and their lines are magic. It’s a credit to his skill as a writer.
The seductive Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) and the wily Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) are con artists from the Bronx, scamming down-on-their-luck locals who are desperate for loans.
They’re also having a lusty affair, much to the chagrin of Rosenfeld’s wife, the vivacious Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence).
But when the duo discovers that they have unknowingly tried to con an FBI agent (Bradley Cooper), they are forced to give away their secrets and their networks in order to stay out of gaol.
To escape their troubles with the law, they know they must offer up a much bigger fish, and set their sights on trapping Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner) in their web of cons. The Mayor is seeking to fund new casinos in Vegas, and has a host of dirty associates in his close circles.
Their hustle manages to entrap a few Senators before a mob boss, aptly named Taleggio (which one can only assume was the writers’ sense of humour coming to the fore), takes an unhealthy interest in the pair. While troubling a few crooked Senators to stay out of gaol seems palatable, getting on the wrong side of the mob doesn’t seem like such a good idea.
Prosser and Rosenfeld decide there is only so far they are willing to go to stay clean (because being free but dead doesn’t seem so appealing). They must now set about turning the game back in their favour, but it’s going to take their best hustle yet.
Jennifer Lawrence offers an unforgettable performance as the wronged wife. She steals the show—and given her cast mates, that’s no small task. Amy Adams is also impressive as the seductive con lady.
There’s talk of Oscars buzzing around this film, and it’s going to be buzzing all the way ‘til February, one would suspect. It would seem 2013 has saved the best for last, so be sure to check it out.
Directed by: David O. Russell
Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper
Rating: R 18+
Runtime: 2 hours 18 mins
Release Date: 12 December
Reviewer rating: 4.5/5
