Review – American Hustle
IMDB: n/a Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Opens: 12th December.
Let me begin by saying that I found Silver Linings Playbook overhyped and underwhelming which is why I went into David O Russell’s follow-up American Hustle with a touch of trepidation. There was also a sense from the trailer that we might have seen this movie before with its retro setting, glamorous gangsters, corrupt politicians and the who’s-conning-whom storyline. It felt like Russell channelling Scorsese, especially considering his Raging Bull-esque The Fighter with Mark Wahlberg from a few years back.
American Hustle follows the story of small-time grifter Irving Rosenfeld (a heavy-set Christian Bale) who enters the big time thanks to the alluring charm of Sydney Prosser (an ever-cleavage bearing Amy Adams.) Their new partnership sees them getting in hot-water with the FBI leading them to make a deal with FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) to help him bring down corrupt politicians. Along the way relationships are strained, threats are made, tensions are raised and the ever-present question of who is being conned continues.
The story is moved along with some mostly superfluous narration and 70s rock music as we are introduced to a massive cast of famous actors playing larger than-life-characters: including manipulative ditzy trophy-wife Jennifer Lawrence, well-meaning New Jersey politician Jeremy Renner and a great supporting role from comedian Louis CK, who is certainly one of the highlights of the film.
There are some good ingredients but unfortunately the film is a bit of a mixed bag. Performances are great, but it often feels like the actors are just enjoying playing “dress-ups” rather than seeking to create characters that feel authentic. And there are some compelling scenes, but the thrills are dissipated by the scenes that drag. And the funny and light-hearted moments just makes the tone of the film confusing when things turn serious.
This isn’t all together a bad film. Some audience members will find a lot to like. One person at the screening even started clapping (in a very sincere manner, I might add) when the movie ended. While there were some enjoyable elements it did not feel like this was a story that demanded to be told (or that felt terribly original.) This could be another case of Silver Linings Playbook where my apathetic opinion of the film will be in the minority so don’t let me stop you from seeing it. Who knows, you might even be the person clapping at the end credits.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNt0eRK-pd0&w=400]