“Some of this actually happened.” Released last week on Blu-Ray and DVD, David O. Russell’s 2013 hit American Hustle (which was nominated for 10 Academy Awards) out Scorsese’d Scorsese, as many critics put it. I will not go that far, but Russell creates a lively crime comedy/drama in the vain of past Scorsese classics such as Goodfellas, Casino and others – and it can compete on most levels.
We follow a small time crook with a bad comb-over – Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) as he meets and falls for the lovely Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams). He introduces her to his operation and she joins the team (now with a realistic British accent and phony royal lineage to boot). Both actors also perform a voice over narration throughout the film – reminding us of some of Scorsese’s best flicks.
It does not take long for them to get caught by the recklessly ambitious agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) who convinces them to do their thing in order to catch others in illegal activity – and avoid jail time.
Soon, they are neck deep in a major hustle that seems to run through the entire state of New Jersey. They meet mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner) who is looking to rejuvenate Atlantic City and its Boardwalk. Though he despises DiMaso, Rosenfeld convinces the politician to stay and take part in a once in a lifetime opportunity as their friend (a phony sheik) is looking to invest. The mayor takes the bait and the cogs in the plan begin to roll. In order for this to work though, they must meet with the mafia, including one Victor Tellegio (Robert De Niro).
Rosenfeld begins to get cold feet, especially when his problematic wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) gets dragged into the scam out of necessity. There are many twists and turns along the way, leading to a fitting conclusion that is both comedic and entertaining.
The most impressive thing about American Hustle is the acting. Every single performance is perfection. Bale completely transforms into the overweight, balding, yet charismatic sleaze-bag (a likeable one though) who is forced into a precarious position after being caught by the FBI. Adams is brilliant, virtually playing two roles – a British aristocrat and a typical American. Cooper is excellent as the manic agent, rivaling his strong performance in Silver Linings Playbook. Lawrence is superb as the quirky Jersey woman who is both a recluse and a brave socialite (she pulls off the odd dichotomy of her character very well). Finally, Renner, who I must say I have never been overly partial to, is on top of his game, playing the good-hearted and likeable mayor and family man who only has the betterment of his city at heart – yet still slides into the illegal racket. Other smaller roles from Robert DeNiro, Louis C.K. (comedian, Louis), Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire), Michael Pena (Crash) and others are also just as memorable.
David O. Russell and his team do a superlative job in creating a visual style that captures the themes of the movie so well. At times the camera and background captures the sleaziness of the era and characters in it, while at others the mood is set in a very serious and tense way (much like in the meeting with veteran mob boss Tellegio). On top of that, he is able to capture some of the quirky comedy found within the script (that Russell co-wrote with Eric Warren Singer – The International) with the opening hairy scene a prime example. Lawrence’s dance and her introduction to the mafia are also classic. Louis C.K.’s frustrating attempt to deal with Cooper’s character (including a motivating ice fishing story) is also comical.
The music must also be mentioned. Much like Scorsese, Russell and his composer Danny Elfman choose a plethora of mostly seventies era rock, disco and pop to capture the mood of the piece. Two of the best examples worth noting are when some of the characters sing Tom Jones’ Delilah as well as the use of Duke Ellington’s Jeep’s Blues in a very unique, plot driven, way.
American Hustle is a movie that shows character development done right. Well written, acted and directed, we see the characters live, suffer, survive and evolve throughout. A truism of the film is that “people believe what they want to believe”. You decide.
A little too long of movie but reasonably entertaining.