Go for the acting if nothing else

Rating: 6/10 (10 January 2014)

It's easy to see why this film has been lauded by critics. It is like watching an acting masterclass. Christian Bale and Jennifer Lawrence in particular are at the top of their game. Unfortunately, I feel an interesting and involving plot has been sacrificed somewhere along the way. This makes the running time seem way to long.
And it seems that someone has had a bit too much fun with the dressing up box. For at least the first hour of the film I found the '70's costumes and hair etc distracting too much of my attention away from the story being told.
While the actions and decisions of Irving and Rosalyn seem consistent and understandable with their characters throughout, I cannot say the same for Richie. It seems a bit far fetched that he should begin so in control of the situation to being so easily seduced and duped by Sydney as the English Lady Edith. Not to mention losing it by beating his superior. (I thought Sydney had dropped her English accent long before she confessed to Richie!)
This isn't a bad film. However, watching what is superior acting in a film with no joined up plot that you care about feels like a wasted opportunity to make a great film.