American Hustle (2013) is a contrived band of conspiring hustles for personal gains.
When FBI agent, Richard “Richie” DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) catches con artists Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and his mistress, Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) in one of their scams, he offers to release them if they would cooperate to entrap big names in politics which include Camden, New Jersey’s Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner) and some members of the congress.
In between the chaotic schemes of control and make believe is Rosalyn Rosenfeld (Jennifer Lawrence), Irving’s wife for whom he hesitates to divorce in his fear to lose contact with his adopted son, Danny. Despite feeling unloved, Rosalyn manages to attend gatherings and gain attention from Polito’s circle of friends as the wife of Irving.
Will the hustle and bustle personally favor them in the end?
Director David O. Russell excellently managed to blend a powerhouse of artists together. Christian Bale is believable in his big belly and thinning (and wig) hair role as a con artist. It will make you wonder where the real Christian Bale have gone. Where is the Batman persona? Amy Adams effectively communicates with her eyes, cleavage and fashion to match her witty and alluring dialogues. Jennifer Lawrence impresses with her “I don’t give a damn.” or “Hate me. Love me.” attitude that makes Irving irk or sympathetic and Sydney to become jealous. Bradley Cooper has the least likeable character because of his antics. He cruises through a passing (only) mark for a performance as he is unable to match the acting prowess of Bale, Adams and Lawrence. I still see him as Phil, the “Hangover” guy.
American Hustle reminds us that good intentions does not justify even a dash of mischief because in the end, will the hustle be truly worth it?
Are you hustling to merely survive or exist? Is your hustle moving towards a dead end or a transcendent haven?
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© rooks 2014
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