American Hustle (2013): A mini-review

 

 

Synopsis:

 

A con man, Irving Rosenfeld, along with his seductive British partner, Sydney Prosser, is forced to work for a wild FBI agent, Richie DiMaso. DiMaso pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia.

Review:

 

The past few years have seen a lot of crime films with only a few doing enough to be called great. The latest from the genre is American Hustle, about a con man in 1970s America. The biggest attraction of the film is undoubtedly the fantastic cast that director David O. Russell has managed to assemble. Christian Bale fully transforms himself as the middle-aged and desperate Irving Rosenfeld delivering yet another brilliant performance; Bradley Cooper is absorbing as the eccentric FBI Agent Richie DiMaso; Jennifer Lawrence continues to deliver roles that defy her young age as Rosalyn Rosenfeld, Irving's out-of-control wife; Amy Adams once again provides understated yet strong acting through the mysterious Sydney Prosser; and Jeremy Renner as the gullible and naive Mayor Carmine Polito reminds us why he is one of Hollywood's most underrated actors working today. All of these wonderful actors do their parts well enough, despite some minor shortcomings in character developments, which they try to overcome admirably. But, when coupled with a blistering, fast-paced, funny and witty script from Russell and Eric Singer, as well as a fine soundtrack featuring some remarkable '70s music, what viewers end up getting is a highly-entertaining motion picture that I see as one of 2013's most memorable films.

 

MATM Rating:

 

 

Director:

 

David O. Russell

 

Trailer:

 

 

 

Outstanding performances:

 

• Christian Bale (as Irving Rosenfeld)
• Bradley Cooper (as Richie DiMaso)
• Amy Adams (as Sydney Prosser)
• Jeremy Renner (as Mayor Carmine Polito)
• Jennifer Lawrence (as Rosalyn Rosenfeld)

 

Runtime:

 

2 hours and 18 minutes

 

Rating:

 

R

 

Genres:

 

Crime / Drama

 

Stills: