When David O. Russell makes a movie, people sit up, take notice and then stand up. He reportedly said he hates plots and is all about characters. Well, the critically acclaimed director has managed to get Oscar-nominated performances out of his cast in his last three films.  It’s no wonder he’s developing a loyal following of audiences, and actors.

Three Kings, I Heart Huckabees, The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook and now American Hustle may deal with some fairly contentious characters and issues, yet Russell manages to supplant his love for comedy into each of them, which would also explain his producer role on the first Anchorman film.

American Hustle has a camp Anchorman feel. This could be attributed to it happening in the same era, in which hair and fashion was loud and proud. Either way, there are definite similarities, from the larger-than-life and eccentric characters to their over-the-top dress sense and hair obsession. It looks like a pantomime, yet plays out like an exuberant yet deadly serious crime drama. This strange tension keeps it taut, draping itself on colourful characters and charming performances from a stellar cast.

David O. Russell worked with Christian Bale and Amy Adams inThe Fighter. He directed Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro in Silver Linings Playbook. Obviously, he’s an actor’s director because his crew have returned for yet another showing in a film that you wouldn’t ordinarily imagine to be Oscar material.

Christian Bale is one of the most dedicated actors out there, losing an extraordinary amount of weight for his role in The Machinist, only to tip the scale the other way for American Hustle. The film opens on his gut and he wields it with pride, making you wonder if he’s been getting his cues from Austin Powers on how to be catnip to women? He plays a confidence man, which explains half the story, using his cunning to lure those wanting to make easy money.

“Word to the wise – the real hustle is going down on Oscar night.”

Bale’s performance is strong – playing a complex, quick-witted oddball with a candid flavour, mostly unrecognisable thanks to the glasses. He shares the screen with his associate, played by Amy Adams and his stay-at-home wife, Jennifer Lawrence. Adams is a slinky seductress, shedding her natural goodie-two-shoes default for something more dangerous. Lawrence conjures up a sultry and brilliant turn, gathering most of the big laughs and memorable scenes thanks to a firecracker of a performance.

Bradley Cooper is an absolute wild card as the free-wheeling CIA agent whose stepping stone personality, womanising and ladder-climbing are just what he does well. It’s an energetic role, one that keeps us rooting for the bad guys, yet amused by his antics. The unsung hero of American Hustle is Jeremy Renner, who plays one of the only grounded characters, just so we don’t think everyone’s crazy. He’s overshadowed by the big performances of his co-stars, but delivers a solid performance that warranted more screen time.

American Hustle is “all about the characters”. David O. Russell wrote the parts with each of the actors in mind, which is probably why they seem so willing to go headlong into the fray. It’s this reckless abandon that keeps American Hustle’stempo upbeat, even at nearly two-and-a-half hours. The criminal underground and bamboozling give them a frictious environment to play in and it’s just great to see serious actors having a seriously good time.

American Hustle is not a film everyone will enjoy. It’s all about the acting calibre, the outlandish costumes, over-the-top lifestyles, rambunctious personalities and excesses of the American dream. You’ll gravitate to the name cast, which features some of the best actors in the business, you’ll be amused by the campy tone and David O. Russell’s comedic flair. He said, “it’s all about the characters”, well this one’s actually all about the performances.

The bottom line: Entertaining

Release date: 28 February, 2014
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