David O. Russell, director of Silver Linings Playbook and The Fighter, delivers another smash with his new film, American Hustle. The film takes place in the 1970s, following an eager FBI agent (Bradley Cooper) who is reluctantly aided by two con artists (Christian Bale and Amy Adams) on a quest to expose corruption in Camden mayor Carmine Polito’s (Jeremy Renner) inner circle.
Performed by an all-star cast, American Hustle is a cunning tale of survival. “Some of this actually happened,” the film jokes in its opening scenes, alluding to the ABSCAM investigation it is based on (though the film’s creators insist that American Hustle is a work of fiction). The screenplay, written by Eric Warner Singer and Russell, was nominated for a Golden Globe and won the New York Film Critics’ award for best screenplay.
Christian Bale’s physical transformation into the plump and balding Irving Rosenfeld is enthralling. His performance reels you in, and though he is a brilliant con man who survives by scheming others, you begin to see the humanity in his character. However, it is Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal of his wife, Rosalyn Rosenfeld, that steals the show. Already a New York Film Critics award winner for her role, it’s no shock that Lawrence was nominated this morning for a Golden Globe in the best supporting actress category. Another Academy Award just may be in her future!
American Hustle, declared one of the ten best films of the year by the American Film Institute, is an absolute must-see. The chemistry between the actors (most of whom have appeared in previous Russell films) is apparent and electrifying, creating scenes that are guaranteed to keep your eyes glued to the screen for all 132 minutes. The film was nominated for seven Golden Globe awards, tied with the critically acclaimed 12 Years a Slave.
American Hustle opens in select theaters tomorrow and will be released everywhere on December 20th.
Thanks to NJ.com, Huffington Post, E!, NY Daily News, and American Film Institute
