Russell Ups the Ante
For few directors, there comes a moment in their professional development that elevates them to legendary status. Think about that word: legends. What names come to mind? Hitchcock, Spielberg, Scorcese, Nolan. For different reasons, I consider these directors to occupy the top tier of cinematic minds. After watching American Hustle, we can add one more name to the list.
David O. Russell picks up right where he left off after Silver Linings Playbook and delivers a gem of a movie that will be sure to pick up some Oscar wins in a couple months. The method in which the audience is revealed to different characters and plot developments throughout the course of the movie works both to keep the audience guessing and to highlight the sometimes painful passion that exists between the central players of this movie. Speaking of, what an outstanding cast. Christian Bale continues to surprise me with his acting range, and I don't just mean the fact that he put on a ton of weight to "fit" the role. The dialogue he had, especially with Bradley Cooper, was almost whimsical and I was hooked for every second of it.
The female counterparts, played by Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence, were equally exciting to watch. Adams was particularly captivating with her performance, and Lawrence continued her impressive run of on-screen emotional instability with the roles she gets casted. Jeremy Renner was also very moving in his role, and to be honest, the entire supporting staff was excellent. Even the music selected for the film and the way that some of the songs interplay with the screenplay was stellar. The one big thing this movie was missing for me was the deep audience connection, either through emotion or suspense, but the film was still captivating.
Would not at all be surprised if this movie were to win best picture. It certainly earned it. Go check it out.
Written January 11, 2014
David O. Russell picks up right where he left off after Silver Linings Playbook and delivers a gem of a movie that will be sure to pick up some Oscar wins in a couple months. The method in which the audience is revealed to different characters and plot developments throughout the course of the movie works both to keep the audience guessing and to highlight the sometimes painful passion that exists between the central players of this movie. Speaking of, what an outstanding cast. Christian Bale continues to surprise me with his acting range, and I don't just mean the fact that he put on a ton of weight to "fit" the role. The dialogue he had, especially with Bradley Cooper, was almost whimsical and I was hooked for every second of it.
The female counterparts, played by Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence, were equally exciting to watch. Adams was particularly captivating with her performance, and Lawrence continued her impressive run of on-screen emotional instability with the roles she gets casted. Jeremy Renner was also very moving in his role, and to be honest, the entire supporting staff was excellent. Even the music selected for the film and the way that some of the songs interplay with the screenplay was stellar. The one big thing this movie was missing for me was the deep audience connection, either through emotion or suspense, but the film was still captivating.
Would not at all be surprised if this movie were to win best picture. It certainly earned it. Go check it out.
Written January 11, 2014