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I am a sucker for a good movie trailer. I love being teased by good acting, one-liners and a spectacular cast. The problem is that sometimes all of the hype is just that hype and then you walk out of the movie theater feeling ripped off. This is NOT the case for American Hustle. I have to say, I have become a big fan of Bradley Cooper and David O. Russell and I wanted to see how this movie rolled out and it did not disappoint.
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The movie starts by stating that some of the things in this film actually happened. Not having read reviews or synopsis of the movie, I did not know what the movie was all about. I warned you, I am a sucker for a good trailer… and Bradley Cooper. As the movie unfolds we are introduced to a hustler (Christian Bale), his girlfriend (Amy Adams) and an ambitious FBI agent (Bradley Cooper). After being caught red-handed defrauding people of their money, the Hustler must agree to co-operate with the FBI to lure in others.
The very ambitious FBI agent decides that he wants to go after public officials and sets into motion one of the largest sting operations in American history: Abascam. That’s right the 1970’s sting operation that brought six congressmen, a senator, a mayor and other public officials.
I have to say I was a young kid in the seventies but there are certain things I will never forget: hearing President Nixon’s resignation on the radio, watching the Carol Burnett Show and watching coverage of Watergate and Abscam.
“People believe what they want to believe. ‘Cause the guy who made this was so good that its real to everybody. Now who’s the master? The Painter or the Forger?”
Politics and corruption aside, the other things I remember of the 70s are the incredible fashions. I love the attention to detail in American Hustle. The wide ties, pointed collars, triple piece suits and crazy sunglasses.
I love, love, love the soundtrack the most. All the songs were true to the era. Each and everyone of the songs, takes you down memory lane. One of my favourite scenes is when Bradley Cooper and Amy Adams go to the disco and shake their booties… Once again, Bradley did not disappoint. It was way too short.
I have never been a big fan of Christian Bale so I guess I was pleasantly surprised by his performance as an overweight, middle-aged, married (but cheating) hustler. The opening scene of Christian building his comb over will become a classic. The writing in American Hustle is impeccable. Written (and directed) by David O. Russell and Eric Singer. Russell also penned Silver Linings Playbook and Three Kings (two more great movies).
Last shout out goes to Louis CK as the FBI supervisor. He is the perfect straight shooting boss that tries (in vain) to reign his subordinate it. Ultimately, he aquieses to Bradley’s ‘persuasive’ tactics. I cannot say I am a fan of his stand up comedy but he did a great job here.
Here is the trailer for American Hustle, you tell me: does it tempt you to go? Do those outrageous hairdos, spot on fashion and amazing sound track not make you want to see how good the movie really is?
Movie: American Hustle
Cast:
Christian Bale as Irving Rosenfeld
Bradley Cooper as Richie DiMaso
Amy Adams as Syndey Prosser
Jeremy Renner as Mayor Carmine Polito
Jennifer Lawrence as Rosalyn Rosenfeld
Louis CK and Robert DiNero play priceless roles in the film. DiNero is a cameo but integral to the plot.
Directed by David O. Russell
My recommendation:
You have to go see this movie. It has some great acting, the script is entertaining and the fashion & music wonderful. It has been a while since I’ve seen a movie that I liked this much!
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The script by Eric Singer and David O. Russell is rife with banalities and ludicrous situations, mostly involving the mafia.