American Hustle (Dir. David O. Russell/2014)
American Hustle will
be Oscar nominated. David O. Russell only rears his head to an awards-soaked
guarantee. Casting alone pulls actors from Silver
Linings Playbook and The Fighter,
making American Hustle a powerful
punch for 2014 Awards Season. But a nominee, it shall remain. Con-artists Irv
(Bale) and Sydney (Adams) are caught by ambitious agent Richie DiMaso (Cooper).
All is not what it seems as the three are forced to work together to take on
the politicians (including Carmine, played by Jeremy Renner) and “gangshters”.
While Richie is keen to up the stakes at every chance he gets, Irv has his own
troubles with wife Rosalyn (Lawrence). “People believe whatever they want to
believe” we are told, the interesting parallels between characters and their motivations
is lost under the gloss and Hollywood-sheen. Goodfellas zoom-ins, Bowie montages and exquisite hair cannot hide
how, though a good heist, it holds no longevity.
Rating: 5/10
