Review of American Hustle – This is a David O Russel directed caper film which is based on actual FBI dairies of a scam in 1970s. The famous works of this director include Three Kings, which some of us might be familiar with.
Based on rigorously well written script, supported by layered portrayal of an ensemble cast, He scored big when his film, Silver Linings Playbook’, scored seven nominations at Academy awards last year. ‘American Hustle’ has maintained the attributes and a few actors from the last film, which include Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.
The film is about a con couple, who an ambitious young agent of FBI ensnares and then uses to trap bigger fish in corrupt world of politician-corporate-gangsters nexus. The core of film comprises of the subtle changes in equations between the three protagonists, each of who are master con artists yet vulnerable with their human failings, all the same. A mildly venal but well intended mayor of the city becomes the central target for the trio in later half, and hence engages the morality of the audience.
The internal dialectics of FBI over ‘tax-payers money’, the grey morality of the well intendeed Mayor and the machinations of the team of three protagonists and its layered denouement keep the audience engaged despite no major twists in the tale. The feel of 70’s is well re-created and no dramatic volte faces exist to shock and awe.
Mildness seems to be the flavor at Hollywood in these times as this one beats ‘The wolf.’ to the Oscars. 4 Stars.