Friday 30 May 2014

American Hustle (2013 David O Russell)

Like an early Scorsese, film is noticeably not hand-held but properly mounted, with fluid camera tracking shots, and very well written by Russell and Eric Warren Singer (scene where Adams is being told off but manages to turn the whole thing round on Bale is very recognisably real!) It's no surprise that Jay Cassidy is again involved as an editor, assisted by Alan Baumgarten and Crispin Struthers.

Christian Bale and Bradley Cooper are somewhat upstaged by Amy Adams, all in alarming states of costume and make-up, supported by Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner and Michael Peña. One to watch again, already.

Doesn't have that depressing up / down effect that bedevils many a similar type of American film, and in fact has quite a twist to what seems like an inevitable, slightly noiry plot. It was nominated for everything but won nothing on its own shores, though BAFTA conceded that the script, make-up/hair and Ms Lawrence were worthy.

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