Title: American Hustle
Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Jeremy Renner
Synopsis: Scandalous, stylish and sexy, American Hustle is a film you never knew you desperately needed to see until the two hours of glitzy sleaze and hilariously clever one-liners are over.
American Hustle is set in New Jersey in 1978, the time notorious for con artists, affairs and corrupt American politicians. The film is about re-invention, disguise, the complete re-creating of oneself “from the feet up” in order to survive. Christian Bale is Irving Rosenfeld, an unattractive con artist with a certain allure, one which attracts Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), who initially is outraged at Irving’s lack of compassion for the people who fall victim of his schemes. In true sociopathic fashions, she creates a new persona: Lady Edith Greensly, a British aristocrat with banking connections in London. Complete with a hilariously bad posh accent, she starts a professional and sexual relationship with Irving for money and for love. The two are quickly caught by Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper), an FBI agent who forces them to continue with their con artistry to entice corrupt politicians and remove them from power, including Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner), the Mayor of Camden, New Jersey. Things begin to fall apart around the time Richie falls hopelessly in love with Lady Edith, who has distanced herself from Irv because he cannot leave his unstable but charming wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence). Edith decides to manipulate Richie to gain the upper hand, which is carried through the film and sets the foundations for the ending.
The deeper the scandal gets the more isolated the characters become within their own passionate love, their bitter hate, and their overwhelming desire for power. Based on the FBI ABSCAM scandal of the 70s and 80s, the themes of betrayal and corruption shine through as the norm for the dysfunctional lives of these intriguing characters, making for an exciting watch. A definitive must-see film, American Hustle is arguably writer and director David O. Russell’s best work.
Watch If You Liked: Silver Linings Playbook, The Fighter, The Wolf of Wall Street, Now You See Me
Rating: 9/10
Words by Caitlin O’Connor