David O. Russell’s outrageous 2013 dark comedy caper “American Hustle” is truly an actors’ showcase. Russell has an ability to get his casts to give risky performances, and in “American Hustle,” he gives them the freedom to have big personalities. The film opens with the disclaimer “some of this is based on a true story” and continues along with a sense of madcap energy.
The film centers on con artists Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) who work to sell various pieces of forged art to major investors. Their line of work requires them to adopt a variety of different personas and wear outlandish costumes. Flashbacks reveal details of their early relationship. Irving is quirky and often appears to be unengaged, but Sydney sees his potential and is charmed by his magical charisma. She struggles with the potential of a long-term relationship given Irving’s commitment to his unpredictable wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence).
The pair are approached by FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) to go undercover and set up a convoluted scheme to bring in corrupt politicians, including Camden, New Jersey, Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner). Loyalties are tested as Sydney must engage in a sham romance with Richie to deceive him.
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