American Hustle centers around the lives of con man Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and his mistress/partner in-crime Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams). After getting caught in an investment scam by the feds, FBI agent Richie Di Maso (Bradley Cooper) forces Rosenfeld and Prosser to help him arrest four other people in order to acquit them of their crimes. Rosenfeld uses the front of having a friend pose as an Arab Shiekh looking for investments in the United States which leads to Rosenfeld becoming connected to Camden, New Jersey mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner). Politio wants to bring jobs to the state of New Jersey in a recession by building a casino in Atlantic City, but can't gather the funding for it on his own, so he needs the assistance of the Sheikh. Before long things get completely get out-of-control as the mob gets involved in the planning process of the casino, Rosenfeld's unstable wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) become aware of his involvement with the FBI and Rosenfeld develops a strong, genuine bond with Polito, putting the entire operation and the lives of everyone involved at-risk.
American Hustle is one of those films that reminds me why I fell in love with cinema as an artform. It's just a damn-near perfect film that is consistently engaging and thoroughly rewarding. The script from Eric Warren Singer and Russell is absolutely magnificent. They are able to create a film with a barrage of deep, memorable and almost endlessly fascinating characters. Every scene of the film, you learn something new about the characters and what makes them tick and this just completely roped me into their world. The most impressive part of the film's writing is how it juggles genres so effortlessly. It's primarily a crime drama, but there are moments of comedy that are flawlessly intertwined. A majority of the comedy comes from the sequences between Di Maso and his F.B.I. superior (Louis C.K.) Cooper and C.K have this fantastic dynamic every time they're on-screen together and the laughs just pile up. Both actors go against-type with Cooper going off-the walls with aggression and hyperactivity while C.K. is reserved and reluctant to cooperate with any demands Di Maso has that break protocol. These sequences gave this film a wildly hilarious side that you don't really see explored too often in a crime-based drama.
Of course, the strength of the screenplay, would mean nothing without strong performances and American Hustle has no shortage of that. The cast is easily the best ensemble of 2013 and that should really come as no surprise with the likes of Bale, Adams, Cooper, Renner and Lawrence appearing in the same film. Bale leads the show as Rosenfeld with plenty of sleazy charisma. You have to admire Bale's dedication to the cause as he put on a ton of weight and sported a gnarly combover for this film. With all the transformation's he made over the years for roles, I don't if it's dedication or full-blown insanity, but that's probably why Bale is considered by many (myself included) as one of the finest actors in Hollywood. Adams shines right alongside Bale as his mistress and really the only person who trusts Rosenfeld at all. While Rosenfield is transparently a hustler, Prosser seems like she has pure intentions due to her ability to open up emotionally and willingness to cooperate with everyone around her. In reality, she is probably the biggest scam artist out of anyone in the entire film due to her sexuality and uncanny ability to own any man she encounters. Adams plays the role with an easy confidence and plenty of emotional depth. Her work here more than makes up for the shortage of strong lead female performances in 2013 and deserves be a contender for Best Actress. Lawrence doesn't have much screen time in this, but when she's there she makes quite the impression. After her role in this, she can add comedy to her already vast acting repertoire.
Amidst all the great performances this film features, the one that impressed me the most was from Renner. In a film that is full of master manipulators, arrogant law enforcement officers and sociopaths, Polito is a pure soul with a big heart. Polito just happens to turn to the wrong people for all the right reasons, he wants to help create jobs and boast morale locally in a tough economic time. You know that he doesn't want to accept the money from the Shiek, but he has no other way to get the project going and you feel for his character as the events of the film unfold against him. Renner's performance is the perfect balance of likability, charisma and swagger. Polito's reputation as a people person is mentioned so often before you actually meet him in the film that you don't expected it to be true since everyone is this film is so full of it. When he finally appears, it puts a face to that likability and makes it real, and gives the film a beacon of light amongst so many scumbags. It was awesome to see Renner get an opportunity to show his serious acting chops again. Not since The Town in 2010 has Renner had a really serious role and I almost forgot just how much of a powerhouse actor he can be when handed meaty material. American Hustle is the only serious Oscar contender this year that has lived up to the hype in my opinion. The acting is top-notch from every person involved, the characters are exciting, the script is loaded with wit, surprises and razor-sharp dialogue, the 70's setting makes for an intoxicating vibe and most importantly, the high-quality never wavers throughout. In a year without any clear favorites, I'd be willing to wager that American Hustle doesn't leave the Oscars empty-handed.
4.5/5 Stars
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