Saw American Hustle on the week-end and loved it. Pure entertainment all the way. I had no idea what to expect which may be the best way to see this film – so stop reading this now and just go and see it. (And read this after).
Small time hustlers get caught and are prevailed upon by the FBI – or rather by one ambitious FBI officer – to try and hustle some bigger crooks into the hands of the law. You’re told at the start that some of this story actually happened. Whatever. I just enjoyed the whole show.
Terrific characters. You are barracking for Irving in particular. A great performance from Christian Bale who put on a great deal of weight for the role and is barely recognizable. He was terrific. A scoundrel but a warm and engaging fellow, expert in understanding human needs and wants. Amy Adams was Lady Edith – a more rounded character than your normal femme fatale despite the plunging necklines. You were never sure where she stood. Was she still on Irving’s side or was she moving her affections to the lawman? Irving’s wife, played by Jennifer Laurence (who I’ve not seen before) was another great character. Jennifer vamped it up wonderfully. Not just a dumb blonde. Some fantastic whacky conversations between her and Irving. Even when she’s mucking things up you sympathise. You certainly understand her hold over Irving. The Mayor (Jeremy Renner another new actor for me) was a good old Italian boyo. A Democratic, doing what he could for the working man and for New Jersey. We see him at work, playing to the crowd, drawing Irving into his band of loyal followers. Bradley Cooper was playing against type as the untrustworthy FBI agent. A far cry from his usual romantic, charming self. Robert De Niro puts in an appearance as a suitably scary enforcer for the Mob. All of the performances are terrific.
There are memorable scenes all the way through. The Sheik at the centre of the scam meeting the Mob. Irving dealing with things at home. Irving and wife at dinner with the Mayor. Lots of whacky stuff. A running gag about a fishing story where we wait for the punch line. And wait. Some FBI politics. Loved the wire lady. Lots of witty repartee and gags galore. Crims, cops and pollies. Great combination. Fantastic nineteen seventies fashion – big lapels, pastel coloured suits on the men; slinky dresses and fur coats on the women and amazing hairstyles on both. Irving’s elaborate comb-over a sight to behold.
It’s all very New Jersey. We went from the film to a big Italian birthday party and it felt as though we were in the film. There’s the scam that keeps getting bigger and bigger. Then a scam within the scam. Soon you don’t quite know where you are and who’s working for who. All intrigue and counter intrigue. With Irving in the middle. Will he get out of the clutches of them all? The FBI? The Mob? His wife? Can he protect the Mayor? Will he win Lady Edith?
Short voice-overs from each of the main characters give their perspective on characters and events from time to time. I’m not sure it was necessary – film-makers should show not tell. But I didn’t mind it at the time. Nor did I notice,or mind, the length – over two hours. Like all good films, this one had a heart and something to say. About how everyone is on the hustle. Everyone is hiding some part of themselves from others, from the world. That getting to know the real person is harder than you think. And anyway, what is truth? As Irving says people want to believe some things – so they believe it regardless. All in all very satisfying. Here’s the trailer. Enjoy.
Joe Burke says
Terrific review. Agree about the voice overs. The opening scene, Irving arranging his hair is a classic. My only quibble is that despite the scamming, cynicism, and misdirected good intentions, it is post Watergate America, after all -we got a happy ending. Now that’s a scam!