People see what the want (or need) to see

Rating: 9/10 (11 January 2014)

The scams, the characters and the movie itself are all in it together. "American Hustle" reminded me of "The Prestige" in that manner and both are led by Christian Bale and both masterpieces. There is a message about escape of own boring humdrum existences and upgrade and while many fantasize about it, like going to the movies. These characters all did it in their interesting and twisted ways. Some through lust, criminal benefit, some for good and some because they had no other better choices, as in with our leading man and lady , Christian Bale, and Amy Adams. He was was as convincing and she was constantly alluring, which was all part of the scam, as if being a beautiful and smart woman wasn't enough, she added the English accent and foo-foo name and everyone went over the top for her! The film is masked by the era in style, attitude, with an angel-light gritty glow that drapes the scenes while a 1970's soundtrack pulls us along. There was ironic humor (Live And Let Die), sadness (Dirty Work, Goodbye Yelowbrick Road), youthful excitement (I Saw The Light) and innocent danger (Evil Ways) in the music that spotlighted the naiveté of the characters and of the era itself. The Abscam plot and fact that the trap ensnared more than its goal was another example of this unbridled greed of the times, but it is all about character and characters.