I had a chance to see this at a private screening the night before it was released in Australian cinemas last year in December, I can honestly say that it will indeed win or lose you in interest but will no doubt be a major Oscar contender in the upcoming 2014 Film Award season.
American Hustle follows small-time con artist Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and his associate/lover Sydney Prosse (Amy Adams) in the late 1970's. Both of them hustle for a living, getting rich quick and becoming big time figures in the world of scam artists. But their lifestyle and even their relationship are put to the test when FBI agent Richie Di Maso (Bradley Cooper) busts them in the act, however he proposes to release them if Irving assists him with four additional arrests involving with politician Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner). But it gets more complicated when Irving's wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) overhears this complex plan and bids to get in the operation for only her son and financial opportunities.
Being loosely based on the FBI ABSCAM operations of the late 1970s and early '80s, David O. Russell has crafted a thriller-drama that keeps us interested but he has a major talent in putting in a lot of detail in character development and relationships in AH. He doesn't care much for story as he rather the audience to be more interested in the leading characters, this is something that often lacks in today's films but is not a dying trend.
Great performances from all the cast who were picked for their delivery performances, the casting features Oscar nominees
Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence with great supporting roles from Jeremy Renner, C.K Louis, Michael Peña and such. Each of their own characters have a personality and style that contributes to how the audience see them (an example could be that I thought Bale's character was an anti-hero of scamming). Lawrence's character (who delivers another amazing performance since her first collaboration with O. Russell in Silver Linings Playbook), gives us a character that is often played for both seriousness and humour, its a fact that O. Russell had created this role for Lawrence besides being only in her mid 20's. The production design, costumes and even the soundtrack is great, all resembling the late 70's and early 80's and the plot itself is entertaining all the way with many moments of seriousness, humour and tension.
Overall, its a fantastic ride from start to finish. It will most likely to be nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best Screenplay. It's worth seeing if you had enjoyed Silver Linings Playbook and will be another acclaimed hit from David O. Russell.
American Hustle follows small-time con artist Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and his associate/lover Sydney Prosse (Amy Adams) in the late 1970's. Both of them hustle for a living, getting rich quick and becoming big time figures in the world of scam artists. But their lifestyle and even their relationship are put to the test when FBI agent Richie Di Maso (Bradley Cooper) busts them in the act, however he proposes to release them if Irving assists him with four additional arrests involving with politician Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner). But it gets more complicated when Irving's wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) overhears this complex plan and bids to get in the operation for only her son and financial opportunities.
Being loosely based on the FBI ABSCAM operations of the late 1970s and early '80s, David O. Russell has crafted a thriller-drama that keeps us interested but he has a major talent in putting in a lot of detail in character development and relationships in AH. He doesn't care much for story as he rather the audience to be more interested in the leading characters, this is something that often lacks in today's films but is not a dying trend.
Great performances from all the cast who were picked for their delivery performances, the casting features Oscar nominees
Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence with great supporting roles from Jeremy Renner, C.K Louis, Michael Peña and such. Each of their own characters have a personality and style that contributes to how the audience see them (an example could be that I thought Bale's character was an anti-hero of scamming). Lawrence's character (who delivers another amazing performance since her first collaboration with O. Russell in Silver Linings Playbook), gives us a character that is often played for both seriousness and humour, its a fact that O. Russell had created this role for Lawrence besides being only in her mid 20's. The production design, costumes and even the soundtrack is great, all resembling the late 70's and early 80's and the plot itself is entertaining all the way with many moments of seriousness, humour and tension.
Overall, its a fantastic ride from start to finish. It will most likely to be nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Best Screenplay. It's worth seeing if you had enjoyed Silver Linings Playbook and will be another acclaimed hit from David O. Russell.