Director: David O. Russell
MPAA Rating: R
Film Pulse Score: 8.5/10
Loosely based on the FBI’s Abscam sting in the 70s, David O. Russell’s American Hustle takes the facts and delivers them through the most ridiculous and wildly entertaining ways possible. The wardrobe is scandalous, with more side-boob than ever before seen in a film, the characters are over the top and cartoonish, and the hair- don’t get me started on the hair. It’s a film that exudes energy and makes for one of the most enjoyable film-going experiences I’ve had this year.
The film follows the lives of Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), two small time con artists who get caught by a young upstart Fed by the name of Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). The couple cut a deal with DiMaso and agree to help him catch four more hustlers higher on the food chain in exchange for their immunity. From here things begin to spiral wildly out of control as nearly everyone becomes a target, from politicians to high ranking members of the mob.
This snowball effect lends itself nicely to the story, with a gradual progression into craziness where every character in the large ensemble is in on it in some way or another. There’s a lot going on in this film, and David O. Russell delivers everything deftly and with ease.
While the story is frantic and fun, and the time period alone makes for some very entertaining visuals, the entire cast is the standout of the film. Everyone involved cranks it up to 11 and shows off the most boisterous and animated version of themselves. Bale initially comes off as a sleazy, bloated, con-man with the most elaborate and amazing comb over ever seen. As the film progresses however, we begin to sympathize with him and realize that he’s probably the most noble of them all, with the exception of Jeremy Renner as Mayor Carmine Polito.
Jennifer Lawrence delivers another great performance as Rosalyn, Irving’s loud-mouthed wife that frequently catches things on fire. Her big hair, annoying Jersey accent, and gaudy clothing choices make her out to be the dullard of the group, however it becomes evident that she has the ability to be just as cunning and manipulative as the rest of them.
Bradley Cooper as Richie DiMaso plays the power-drunk FBI agent perfectly. With his impeccable perm and spouts of rage, he acts as the perfect antithesis to Bale.
The supporting cast are all solid as well, with a hilarious role from Louis C.K. as Cooper’s boss, and a surprise uncredited role from Robert De Niro as mob boss Victor Tellegio.
American Hustle is a film that has the Scorsese written all over it, and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible. It’s a film packed to the brim with character and easily one of the best of the year.
