American Hustle
2013 · Directed by David O. Russell
Original language: English
- drama
- crime
The story
A conman and his seductive partner are forced to work for a wild FBI agent, who pushes them into a world of Jersey power-brokers and the Mafia.
What it’s like
Warm, lived-in tungsten lamplight and smoky interiors give this film a gaudy, sun-faded 1970s glow, with dense zooms, quick whip pans and handheld camera that swoops through crowded rooms full of sequins, velour and teased hair. The palette runs amber, burnt orange and brown, and the sound is a loud, cheerful stack of period pop and soul cut against bursts of nervous jangle. Its vibe is brash, sly and restless: a comedy with a con-artist's wink, playing best on a loud Friday night with friends, a comfort rewatch for people who love ensemble banter, or a lively watch when you want to be carried along by talk and style. The pacing is fast and chattering, with scenes that spill into one another. Its people are shifty opportunists slowly tangled in their own lies, and their arcs bend toward unexpected loyalty and self-knowledge. Violence is sharp but brief, with a few tense threats and a stray punch or two, and there is no gore; sexual content is suggestive and some profanity is frequent. It is for viewers who enjoy crime capers that are more about character and charm than body counts.
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