AMERICAN HUSTLE – The Review

Hooray for second acts. Now, I’m not just referring to the “legitimate stage”, since most plays are in two acts (with musicals usually going to three). Well, we could apply this to films and not necessarily those based on said plays (like the upcoming AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY). I’m referring to the second acts (or second chances) in one’s life, specifically in a career. A prime example is triple threat (writer/producer/director) David O. Russell. Hard to believe, but it’s been nearly twenty years since he exploded onto the scene with the  low, low-budget art-house hit SPANKING THE MONKEY. The studios soon came calling, and he delivered a couple of modest hits. And then there was I HEART HUCKABEES, a misfire accelerated by unflattering video footage of the director losing his cool on the set which was leaked to the internet (no doubt an early “viral” video). For many folks this would have brought the curtain down on a promising film resume’, but for Russell this was merely an intermission. In 2010 he came roaring back to begin his second act with a big Oscar winner,THE FIGHTER. Last year he returned to the awards shows with SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK. In a few months we’ll again see him at the podium for his new work, AMERICAN HUSTLE. With this trilogy featuring his growing repertory company of actors, Russell has firmly established himself as one of our most influential and entertaining film makers. And that final curtain is nowhere in sight.

After one of this year’s funniest pre-title cards, we’re plunged right into the middle of a set-up gone wrong in the late 1970’s. But things are not as they seem. Jump back a few years as we get to know small-time East Coast operator Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale). He’s the owner of a chain of glass-replacement shops and dry cleaners, but he’s hungry for more. Irving sets up a phony loan office that takes advantage of guys that get no help from legit sources (his clients are usually low-level crooks too). Things are going modestly well until he meets the equally hungry Syndey Prosser (Amy Adams). She adopts a British accent, complete with equally fake ties to royalty, and helps Irving reel in the big fish with more loans and forged fine art. The two soon begin a torrid affair, unknown to Irving’s wife, the flighty Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence), who’s got a young son from a previous marriage that Irving adores. The money keeps rolling in until the duo cons the wrong guy, undercover FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). But Richie strikes a deal with the two con artists. To avoid prison, they’ll help set up meetings with local politicos and businessmen and catch them on tape taking bribes from a fake sheik. But the small fish aren’t enough for Richie, and thanks to his publicity seeking boss, they set their sights much higher. Using the Mayor of Camden, Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner), the trio will take down crooked congressmen. Yup, it’s the fabled “Abscam operations” of the late 70’s. But things get complicated when Richie becomes enamored of Sydney and Rosalyn tries to “help”. Irving soon realizes he is in way over his head with little chance of escaping the zealous feds (or revenge-seeking “victims”). Can he ever get return to his old life?

Russell’s repertory company is virtually a super-team of our best film actors (there is an “Avenger” in there, after all. In this team, the quarterback is definitely Bale who’s almost unrecognizable as the corralled con-man. Much will be made of his weight gain (just weeks after his lean, mean OUT OF THE FURNACE, this guy could never be stuffed in the bat-suit) and the most outrageous comb-over since KINGPIN, but Bale shows us Irving’s humanity and , surprisingly, his dignity. There’s a line he won’t cross, no matter how hard the big boys push him. He won’t “take” anyone, that doesn’t deserve being “taken”. Besides capturing his heart, Adams as Sydney shares Irving’s moral code. Much will also be made of Ms. Adam’s appearance too, as she his dressed in all manner of low, loooow-cut, clinging disco-ready attire (quite “gasp-inducing”). But her look is just one weapon of the character’s formidable arsenal. She’s “whip-smart”, able to think on her feet while keeping two steps ahead of any drooling dullards. One of which is Cooper, who seems the most at ease he’s ever been on-screen despite the too-tight polyester suits and the even tighter hairstyle mini-curls. Richie is all dogged determination and ruthlessness. His eyes are on that prize (big bribe busts and promotions) with no concern over who gets hurt in his quest. Well, there is his concern, and lust, with Sydney, who just might be his kryptonite (you knew I’d make a reference to the past Summer’s Adams co-starring blockbuster). And then there’s Lawrence as the last corner of this love quadrangle. Her take on the Judy Holliday (google her, kids!) blonde bombshell has much of the toughness of her past roles, but with the comedic flare she displayed in last year’s PLAYBOOK. Rosalyn, in her clueless determination, almost becomes an oblivious blonde twister leaving wrecked plans  and people in her wake. Kudos to Russell for the big bathroom confrontation between the two women in Irving’s life.  What a “throw-down”! Renner makes the city politico more than an immaculately coiffed blue-collar back-slapping buffoon. He’s not a live action “Mayor Quimby”, but a guy who truly loves his family and community. The people on the streets aren’t just votes to him. These stars are surrounding by several gifted supporting players, especially comic Louis CK as Richie’s abused boss (is there anyone really worthy of his ice-fishing story?).

Mr. Russell proves to be a cinematic master chef. mixing GOODFELLAS with BOOGIE NIGHTS, and mixing in a dash of ARGO and a sprinkle of THE STING to give us this year’s grandest movie banquet. The fabulous fashions and hairstyles always feel natural and never distract from this “fact-inspired”  tale of ambition and desire. And, oh, that top 40 pop soundtrack! I’d say a bit more, but I don’t wish to spoil any surprises! Film fans will be indeed fortunate if  Russell continues this winning streak during his career’s superb second act. This motley group of 1970’s era lowlifes and G-men make AMERICAN HUSTLE one of 2013’s most delightful, enthralling, entertaining motion pictures. And remember, “No metal in the ‘science-oven’ !”.

5 Out of 5