American Hustle – Hustle & Hype ?

So, is there any substance in a yarn about an FBI agent and two con-artists trying to pull off a bigger con on bigger fish who live on Capitol Hill?

Well yes.

The narrative is based very loosely on ‘a sting op’ that took place in the late 1970’s, but at the start of this flick, which begins at a snails pace you do wonder, what’s the point ? And then the momentum shifts, the gears change and worlds collide, events cascade forward at a terrific pace – and the film takes on an almost organic life, absorbing you, so you too are left very, very expectant, but in doubt about the dénouement.

The leading crook, Irving Rosenfeld is played brilliantly by Christian Bale who looks ten years older than his birthdate of 40. He apparently added 3 stone for the role & suffered from a dislocated hernia after perfecting the part of a slumped shouldered overweight trickster, and with his beard, wig and large rose coloured sunglasses he is the spitting image of Jeff Lynne (ELO fame) whose songs provide part of soundtrack for the movie. He is married to Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) a heart breaker and fighter and as she so eloquently states the only reason they are still together is because “We fight and then we fuck, that’s our thing”

They are admirably supported by his accomplice Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) who seems to skip through the scenes in skimpy gossamer dresses with ample flesh and cleavage always on display, an overt reminder about keeping the upper hand in a world where plumage is an art form. Another snappy smart dresser, is the FBI agent Richie Di Maso (Bradley Cooper) where the ‘flashbacks’ to Night Fever is never far away and he along with the other leading principals all spend considerable time and purpose ensuring their hairstyles are just perfect – which is extremely amusing – and a very visual joke.

Watch out too for other ocular displays so when Rosalyn has her neck in a brace – she spits “The car is a total wreck, and I’m a little stiff. But I don’t want to talk about it.”  Is that the truth? or another fake comment, particularly as she is a lady that can drive men to the edge of madness.  In many ways Rosalyn’s cameos really steal the show.

The plot is far too complicated too explain and would really spoil the surprise of what you should go and see and revel in. Suffice to say the stakes are high and the cinematography weaves it spell – and like the players – you are never quite sure where their or your sympathies lie – until the end – but your reward is watching this intoxicating mix.

No wonder American Hustle has won 3 Golden Globes already and the Oscars beckon.

One last point we do have a strong use of the F word here more than 100 times so profanity is abundant but nothing like on the scale of The Wolf of Wall Street, Martin Scorsese new blockbuster where the F word has reached new heights and litters the screenplay at the last count 569 times. Be warned!

American Hustle – 2013 (PG)  – Director  – David O. Russell

Posted by: Fawkes