its been a long time coming, but after many hiccups I am finally back to where I belong and although many were missed like Captain Phillips, Gravity, Prisoners, and Dallas Buyers Club debut during my absence (all are still available on TMN OnDemand), I swore that I wouldnt miss this one...despite the fact that cruel fate mocks me ever still (DONT ASK)! but tempting karma and keeping my vow, its time for my Pick of the Week. over the years, writer-director David O. Russell has been getting a lot of love and not just from the critics either, but having Three Kings, The Fighter, and Silver Linings Playbook finishing my year end lists in 1999, 2010, & 2012 respectfully. the sparkle had barely settled from a successful awards with Silver (see below) when Russell set to the wheels in motion and begun production on a movie later named American Hustle loosely based on the FBI ABSCAM of the late 1970s and early 80s. and while thoughts of Oscar were not on my mind (and not just because of the Boston Marathon tragedy either), one cant help but wonder how he could top such a crazy ride such as that of Pat Solitano and Tiffany Maxwell. but he did with a comedy that not only made me dizzy but finished a very close second on my Best of 2013. set in 1978, American Hustle is eight-track entertainment from the feet up - exposing the question, What is facade and what is for real? with no detail overlooked, no hair out of place (although Christian Bales elaborate comb-over may differ) , David O. Russells masterful period piece wires audiences into the exhilarating cons Irving Rosenfeld and Sydney Prosser (a portly Bale and a sultry Amy Adams), two kindred spirits drawn by their love of Duke Ellington and doing whatever they need to survive in the world even if it means conning people out of their money and with forged artwork. but when Sydney (under the alias of Lady Edith Greensly) gets pinched by wild FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper turned up to 11) he forces them to take down political corruptions. Irving sets the plan in motion of a Arabic sheikh wanting to make business plans in America with Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner). but while Richie gets in over his head as he corrodes his own soul and falls for Sydney, Irving tries to keep wife Rosalyn happy (Jennifer Lawrence) and winning Carmines trust. things take an extreme turn when Richies eagerness leads them to danger when the Mafia gets wind of the sheikh and Irving must find a way to save himself and those he loves...not to mention trying to keep Rosalyn quiet. nominated for 10 Academy Awards including Best Picture, two nods for Russell for Directing & Screenplay (with Eric Warren Singer), and acting nods for Bale, Adams, Cooper, and Lawrence, Hustle also received 3 Golden Globes and Best Ensemble at the SAG Awards. with all players playing against type - which include talents like Louis C.K., Paul Herman, Jack Huston, Alessandro Nivola, Michael Peña, Elisabeth Röhm, Shea Whigham, and Colleen Camp - you have a tale of ambition that is rollicking and emotionally raw - and an anthem to the notion that the art of survival is a story that never ends. and while there is a disclaimer at the start of film stating Some of this really happened you may find yourself convinced that it was all true. American Hustle premieres Saturday on The Movie Network.
Posted on: Fri, 25 Jul 2014 05:40:56 +0000
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