The Con Is On

Rating: 8/10 (5 May 2019)

Based on true events from the 1970's Abscam case, this is an ingenious con movie and Russell's best film to date. This film has excellent direction, screenplay, cinematography, editing, costume, soundtrack and acting. The entire cast are in top form. Bale, Adams, Cooper, Lawrence and Renner deliver outstanding performances with Renner offering the best of his career. Bale's method acting is unparalleled. The plot revolves around a conman, Irving Rosenfeld and conwomen, Sydney Prosser who are professional at short cons such as art forgery and loan sharking. They are apprehended and are recruited by FBI agent Richie DiMaso to bring down crooked politicians in order for immunity. The target is New Jersey Mayor Carmine Polito. That is where the real fun and long con begins. Along the way Richie who fancies himself a hot shot is being seduced by Sydney and Irving's jealous and semi-psychotic wife Rosalyn is threatening to expose Irving's con without even knowing she is doing so. There are so many memorable scenes and quotes in this film it's hard for this viewer to choose a favorite. If I had to pick two scenes first would be when Irving comes clean to family man Carmine whom he has truly befriended that he set him up. The second would be the look on Richie's face when the long con is revealed and he realizes he has just been hustled by the best. The film is witty, clever, insightful, duplicitous, blazing, ingenious and has a cathartic ending. It is a nearly flawless and mesmorizing film that keeps the viewer guessing throughout. Dramatization aside, it's truly amazing how intelligent and duplicit these professional gifted grifters were.