Next on the list is American Hustle.
This film has been the talk of Hollywood since long before it was released. The sheer sexiness of the cast was enough for me to do my part for their box office numbers. Even Christian Bale with his comb-over and beer gut is appealing in his own special way.
But, why is it in the list of the best pics of 2013? To be honest, the movie was a little slow for me at the beginning. Towards the end, things really got good and I'm glad I stuck around. Writer, Eric Warren Singer, and Writer/Director David O. Russell have created an ensemble piece, a complex and engaging story based on real events, and a well-rounded contender worthy of Academy consideration.
Many have panned this movie, opining that it is undeserving of an Oscar nomination, but as a whole, I'd argue it was pretty air-tight. Maybe not epic, but more well-done than many of the films out last year.
Of course, it all comes back to the acting for me. Christian Bale completely disappeares into his character. He is no longer the dashing Welshman who has charmed us since Newsies, but a self-reinvented con man from the wrong side of the tracks. Amy Adams slips effortlessly in and out of her own fabricated persona. Jennifer Lawrence captures a character far beyond her own life experience. Bradley Cooper gets sucked into a dangerous game completely unaware of his actual role in the whole thing.
Despite the fact that Irv and Sydney are unequivocal criminals, I was on their side throughout the film. And despite the main story of this film being about the FBI ABSCAM sting, the film was also a love-story about two people deeply entwined while at the same time being divided by social obstacles, such as Irv's unhappy marriage, jealousy, and the necessities of their business.
To ice the cake, the production team also nailed the re-creation of the late 70s and 80s--the music, the hair, the clothes. Yeah, baby.
No comments:
Post a Comment