'American Hustle' Review- What A Cast
This film was originally released in 2013.
American Hustle is a 2013 dark comedy directed by David O. Russell. It is a dramatic retelling of an actual FBI sting operation, but it deviates so much from history it might as well be an original story. I am unfamiliar with the actual case, so I will only be focusing on the movie.
In 1978, con artists Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) are having an affair as they run schemes across New York. Irving’s wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) is increasingly unstable due to alcohol abuse, but Irving stays with her feeling like he should be a father to her son, whom he adopted. Irving and Sydney are busted by FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) arrests them and decides to use them to nab bigger fish in the form of Camden, New Jersey Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner), and his connections to other politicians and the Mafia. Richie’s boss Stoddard Thorsen (Louis C.K.) is hesitant, but Richie continues to persuade him. However, Irving and Sydney grow to like Carmine as he seems to genuinely care about his community, leading them to question their latest hustle.
Of course, the cast is amazing. Christian Bale and Amy Adams are at the top of their game, but what do you expect? Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper are also dynamite. The whole cast is excellent and that is what makes this movie. Robert De Niro has an uncredited cameo that was even spot on. No one can deny the sheer talent in this movie.
As for the plot, you are hooked. I thought the story was incredibly interesting. You learn a lot about hustlers and even how they form friendships. I am usually not interested in movies where bad buys are portrayed sympathetically, but since it also comments on the corruption of the federal government as well as sort of being a comedy, I can get behind it.
I have to admit, the way Richie’s character is downright abusive to his boss. I doubt you could get away with that even in the FBI, but it made for an interesting plot point, especially with Louis C.K. playing the role.
Bottom line, American Hustle is one of the sleekest dark comedies I have seen. Everyone is at the top of their game and I enjoy all of the interesting developments of the plots.
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Violence, Strong foul language, Some sexual content
FAVORITE QUOTE: I felt like we had a secret, just the two of us. Like that thing where you just wanna be with one person all the time. You feel like the two of you get something no one else gets.
Check out the trailer below:
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review.