Early on in American Hustle, small-time conman Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) suggests that everything about life involves a swindle of some sort. He even states that we’re conning ourselves in one way or another each day as we try to live out the American dream. Those themes may seem somber, but the material is performed in such a playful manner that viewers will be enjoying themselves even if the wool is being pulled over their eyes.
Rosenfeld and girlfriend Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) have perfected a scheme that allows them to live an affluent life. However, things come crashing down when they’re caught by FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). Overeager to make his mark as an agent, DiMaso threatens jail time unless they help him take down New Jersey mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner). But things quickly get out of hand when several US Senators and even the mob become involved, threatening the lives of the leads. Also complicating matters is Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence), Irving’s estranged wife whose volatile and unpredictable nature threatens to implode the whole operation.
Like the fast-talking world of the characters, the movie is quickly paced. In many respects, it’s reminiscent of Martin Scorcese film, with similar kinetic camera moves thrown to complete the illusion. But it’s the cast who are moving even faster, firing on all cylinders and possessing a high energy level that follows through from beginning to end.
Perhaps it’s because there’s a lot of material for them to work with. Their roles aren’t white and black, but various shades of grey. Everyone is effectively conning one another to get what they desire, but as events progress their own personal feelings and relationships begin to muddy their decision-making. Rosenfeld genuinely likes Polito, making the sting all the more difficult for him. And when the stakes are raised and the criminal underworld gets involves, it’s fascinating to watch an out of his league, panicked Rosenfeld trying to maneuver his way to safety.
Yet the biggest surprise is the emphasis on humor. This is a much funnier film than one would expect, doing its best to satirize greed not only with the story but also in its incredibly garish 70’s outfits and hairstyles. The characters are to a degree vein, as is entertainingly emphasized in the opening scene detailing the work that goes into creating an elaborate comb-over. Another hilarious running joke involves a special gift given to Rosenfeld by his mark in the form of a microwave oven. It’s amusing to see the characters referring to it as their “science oven” and marveling at it.
Admittedly, there are a few things that may irk some viewers. The story is a bit shaggy with some loose ends and the pacing may cause a bit of fatigue towards the close. A few may be put off by the finale, which is relatively low-key and may appear underwhelming to those expecting a larger scale climax. However, this is a satire and those knowing what they’re getting into are unlikely to have a big issue.
American Hustle is one of the most lively and enjoyable efforts of the season. It would truly be a con, come Oscar time, if the cast weren’t nominated for their spectacular work.