‘American Hustle’ focuses more on character development

Photo by Frederick Dennstedt, via flickr

Rafael Abreu/Contributing Writer 

Directed and co-written by David O. Russell, “American Hustle” is a fictional take on the ABSCAM scandal that occurred during the late 1970s. Starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner, and Jennifer Lawrence, the film takes us through a ride involving con-men, politicians, and mobsters who need to be taken down, all in the name of “justice.”

The main story involves the FBI using a couple of con-men (Bale and Adams) to get a hold of some corrupt politicians. However, even though the film has a great story with plenty of unforeseen twists and turns, the script and film are really focused on the characters. In many respects, “American Hustle” is not about any scandal or FBI bust but about people and what they’ll do to get their way, and in some cases, what they’ll do to protect the ones they care about.

Irving Rosenfeld (Bale) might be a con-man, and he might rip people off, but he never does it to those that don’t deserve it. He does what he does to survive and cares very deeply for his business partner and lover Sydney (Adams), as well for his son, who he adopted when he married his mother (Lawrence). Irving is a street smart man, and when he believes that the FBI are getting way over their heads involving the mob in their scam, he becomes even more concerned and protective than before. His motivations are simple: hustle to survive. However, he is not hotheaded or impatient, and likes to keep his business as small as possible. This is the polar opposite of Richie DiMaso (Cooper), an FBI agent that sees this whole project as an opportunity to be recognized and famous; his arrogance, self-centeredness, and overall out of control attitude causes many problems for not only Irving and Sydney, but also his boss (Louis C.K.), who cannot take any more of his insanity. On the outset, I was looking most forward to seeing Cooper and not Bale; but during the course of the film, I began to dislike Richie and root for Irving, once I saw how these characters really were and what drove them to do what they do.

Everyone in the cast does a stellar job, and in my opinion, no one deserves to be a stand out, lest someone might be overshadowed. Jeremy Renner (as Mayor Carmine Polito of New Jersey) impressed me as the nicest guy in the whole film, who only wants to do what’s best for his people and family; Lawrence is excellent as Irving’s neglected and angry wife Rosalyn, who hates to be ignored and only wants to be loved by her husband. Louis C.K. does a great job as Richie’s boss, who seems to never have a good time, no matter where is or what’s going on; Bale, Cooper, and Adams are nothing short of brilliant, chewing the scenes they’re in with grand enjoyment. For the most part, the acting in this film is slightly over the top, which works for a film that doesn’t aim to be very serious at any point.

In fact, the whole film is slightly over the top; the film can best be described as a comedy, and there are indeed many laughs to be had and re-had (you’ll get a kick out of what they call a microwave). It’s good that Russell and co-writer Eric Warren Singer know how to enjoy themselves, even when things don’t look their brightest (a particular scene late in the film involving Irving and Carmine borders on heartbreaking and hilarious).

As previously mentioned, “American Hustle” seems less focused on its own story and more so on its characters, which lends itself to excellent performances and insights. Still, the story element helps make the film even better than it already would have been with just its cast as a strong suit. Topped off with an excellent soundtrack from the era and a slightly over the top attitude, “American Hustle” succeeds in being entertainment, if nothing else.

life@fiusm.com 

Be the first to comment on "‘American Hustle’ focuses more on character development"

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.


*