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Originally posted by winetarelli:
American Hustle
(We got the timing for The Hobbit wrong so saw this today instead. Maybe I'll visit Middle Earth tomorrow...)
When this movie was nominated for the Golden Globes in the 'Comedy' section I vaguely grimaced, assuming, like Inside Llewyn Davis it is a drama with a few humorous moments -- but definitely not a comedy -- and the HFPA just wanted to nominate the ten films, actors, and actresses they wanted to nominate. Even before the movie begins, however, in the very first frame, I realized, nope. This could actually be bordering on tongue-in-cheek dramedy, or even "serious comedy". By the end of the movie it is more clear; while not a comedy per se, it also isn't neatly categorizable as anything else.
Whatever the case, it is a lot of fun.
The plot focuses on two (at least somewhat fictitious) con-people in 1978 -- played by Amy Adams and Christian Bale -- and their role in the Abscam scandal (something I was not yet alive for, know nothing about, and that did not seem to matter). Also integral to the cast are Bradly Cooper as an FBI agent and Jennifer Lawrence as Bale's wife. Louis C.K. and Jeremy Renner play smaller supporting roles, more comic and more dramatic, respectively, and both are excellent.
I really really liked this movie. Not quite 'loved', only because it isn't that type of movie. It isn't *meant* to stay with you or make you think about big things. It is meant to be 2 hours and 10 minutes of fun that you can actually feel good about having. And on that it fully delivers. (In fact, it feels shorter than it is and I was almost sad there wasn't more when it ended.)
The writing, direction and editing are very clean with no loose ends but also with every included frame serving a purpose. Direction happens to be excellent and includes just enough quick zooms and cut-aways to keep the pacing just slightly more quick than a typical movie of this caliber. Halfway through I was reminded of a review I read comparing David O. Russel's direction of this to Scorsese. I had forgotten, but all of the sudden pacing and timing images of The Departed came into my consciousness and it wasn't long before my mind made the jump to Scorsese, generally. (Especially Goodfellas and later works.)
The makeup could be just slightly better, perhaps, but the wardrobe is wonderful. It isn't "Oh hey look, it is the 70's let's make fun of what people wore then." It treats the time with certain respect...
Speaking of wardrobe and respect, I think I "respect" Amy Adams more now than I ever have. Wow. WOW. Her acting was wonderful, too. Her acting was very honest and of the four leads, she was playing it most naturally, whereas the other three leads have a certain theatrical flare to their performances (while still remaining fundamentally honest.) Adams was just brilliant, as she always is. Bradley Cooper was excellent but the least of the four. Not necessarily "worse" acting than the other three, but he did not quite command the screen the way the others did. Bale and Lawrence were both dynamite; just out of the park. I never could have imagined Bale in a shlubby role like this, but he is so oddly charming (very oddly) that you can *almost* see why these women like him. Jennifer Lawrence... more so than in any other movie of hers, just owns every scene she is in. She had such screen presence in this movie that even though most of her scenes are with Bale, she is all you can look at on the screen. Also it was fascinating to see her play a somewhat unlikable character and nail it so.
All-in-all I had a great time. It isn't an historically good movie, but it is a phenomenal way to spend a guilt-free "fun" afternoon at the movies. A-
Thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Would agree this is not a comedy yet had a few wonderful comedic moments.
If interested in con artist films, this is a great film. Jennifer Lawrence excels in her scenes. De Niro was amazing. This provided a great escape for me today.
