American Hustle A review

American Hustle

A review

December 22, 2013

Viewed December 21, 2013

***** out of *****

“A girl comes around at a time when your ground
Is as shaky as leaves on a tree
Creating for you a persona or two
Or an out and out mythology
Now there's too many cooks
But you like how it looks
When they're bowing and calling you "boss "
But the powers that were were invested in her
And now winning means taking a loss”

                                                Aimee Mann

            The greatest trick that anyone ever plays lies in the task of self-deception.   To acknowledge who we truly are underneath the masks of our most basic projections is a goal that alludes even the most emotionally mature.   We project not only what we think will obtain the most perfect life we can lead.  The lies, the endless struggle to overcome the malaise and lost dreams that are scattered along the path of fake fulfillments.  We are counterbalanced in our goals by the fact that we encounter others in life’s journey on the same quest.    The quest to be something new, to reinvent from the shadow of the real self, and to find out in the end the only game in town is the one we are playing.   The rest is nothing more than another illusion. 

            Great films often seem to arise from the most unlikely of subjects and ideas, and thus it is true with the sensational and timeless truths that are found in American Hustle.    This powerful, funny, dynamic film represents the conclusion of a strong trilogy of films by director, David O. Russell who has fastened together a collection of sharply written characters against a canvas of our recent American history and delivered the crown jewel of the three films.   This loose collections of films about the American experience began with 2010’s, The Fighter, and extended into 2012, Silver Linings Playbook.   Here Mr. Russell has blended together the elements of comedy, drama, political expose, and our struggle for the elusive American dream and crafted a tale of people trying to skirt around the rules of society to form their own brand of truth. 

            The real life ABSCAM scandal of the late 70’s and early 80’s in the United States, an FBI led investigation that led to disgrace for many political leaders has provided Russell and co-screenwriter Eric Singer a backdrop to explore the truths of what happened for real in the scandal, but to also attempt to explore deeper ideas about corruption and the grey area between right and wrong.      Mr.  Russell greatest strength as a director is that he is able to write fully realized characterizations that sparkle and then let his fantastic cast shine.   

            The film centers around Irving Rosenfield, a business man who arose from a middle class New Jersey life to have reputable businesses, and then make a better living swindling in phony investments deals.   Married and with a step-son Irving’s life is altered when he meets two people.  One, Sydney, who becomes his partner and his mistress, and an FBI agent, Richie DiMaso, who wants to use Irving’s and Sydney’s talents for schemes to bring down bigger fish and expose corruption while making a name for himself in FBI.   

            In the hands of a lessor talents American Hustle would not work, however Mr. Russell breathes life into the story with a series of distinct choices.   This is a film that works like a perfect engine of ideas that radiate an energy and confidence in the difficult subject matter.  In its more than two hour running time there is not a wasted scene, and the film crackles at a breakneck pace suggesting and framing its principles against without moral judgments.    It is a film that will cause you to change allegiances constantly and shifts perspective between each character.    It is a unique film in that regard and it could in many ways be told from the perspective of any of its five main characters.  

            The sharp editing and period detail only add to the film’s ability to hook the viewer in, and it is likely to reward viewers that return to it for repeat viewings.   This is another film that perfectly captures the mood of each scene with a great soundtrack to accompany certain scenes.    Like most films that cover shaky moral ground this one is sure to have its detractors, but the film is entertaining from beginning to end.   

            The casting of this film was critical to its success.   The entire main cast save Jeremy Renner has worked with Russell before.    Although essentially a narrative which requires the viewer follow Christian Bale’s Irving as its guide into this world of deceit each star is given a chance to shine.   Bale in particular as he has proven time over completely inhabits Rosenfeld with another acting performance to add to his already long resume of successes.    Jennifer Lawrence, in all her post Oscar glow initially seems the wrong choice for Irving’s complicated wife Rosayln, who supplies many of the films few laughs.  Then the audience meets Rosayn, and Ms. Lawrence again brings to her role is this knowing confidence and the charm of a woman whose star is not likely to fade anytime soon.   Bradley Cooper in another change of pace for this ever changing actor is wonderful here, and the aforementioned Jeremy Renner’s turn as the one of the politicians targeted, Carmine Polito offers another detailed portrayal laced with the right amount of pathos.   Once again audiences are to be captivated by the force that is Amy Adams.     In a role that requires her to be serious, sexy, and deceptive she is nothing short of brilliant.    The cast is supported by interesting supporting turns by Louis C.K, Michael Pena. and an uncredited role by Robert DeNiro in one stunning scene in the later part of the film. 

            American Hustle represents for Russell at this point in this seven major film career a milestone in writing and directing.    This marvelous take on lost souls offers a peak ahead into our modern culture of today and foreshadows the world of seemingly endless scandals that filter the American landscape.    Rich with characterizations, and a sharp sense of time and place, this film rates as easily on of the best of this year and is an early candidate for one of the best of this fledging decade.    It is not to be missed.    

                                                                        Tommy Key

Rated R(pervasive language, sexual content, brief violence)