Directed by David O. Russell (The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook), American Hustle is the story of two con artists (Bale and Adams) who are forced by FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) to set up an elaborate sting operation on corrupt politicians, including the mayor of Camden, New Jersey (played by Jeremy Renner).
The stand-out area of American Hustle, and where I begin with this review, is the acting. Phenomenal acting is the most memorable part of the picture. Playing Roselyn, Irving's (Bale) wife, Jennifer Lawrence produces another breathtaking performance as a woman obsessed with self-help books and constantly making trouble for Irving. Lawrence takes over every scene that she's in, once again showing why she is currently the hottest star in Hollywood. Personally, the other brilliant performance is by Christian Bale as con man Irving Rosenfeld. I don't think I'll forget the opening scene to American Hustle for a long time, especially seeing as I watched The Fighter the night before. The opening scene sees an overweight Bale (a huge contrast to the extremely thin Bale in The Fighter) fixing his toupee; with the entrance of Bradley Cooper's Richie DiMaso causing a simply hilarious sequence that I don't wish to ruin for anybody who has yet to watch the film. Another performance to watch out for is the cameo of Robert De Niro, although an extremely minor role De Niro shines.
David O. Russell has created, just as with Silver Linings Playbook, a mixed-genre film that contains elements of thriller, political, comedy and drama. However, I find that Russell's emphasis throughout the whole film is on the characters rather than crime or violence, which has proved a plus with Bale, Cooper, Adams and Lawrence all receiving Academy Award nominations.
If there is an area of the film that I could criticise it would be that, to the casual film viewer, American Hustle may not be captivating enough. After speaking to friends, who are passive film viewers, they felt the film just lacked a thrilling element that would keep them interested throughout the 138 minute running time.
Overall I found that the acting truly steals the show and makes the headlines for this picture. Watch out for a couple of Oscar wins!
J.Henderson
7.5/10
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