"American Hustle",O.Russel tasteful and brilliant takes on the line of morality issue.

Rating: 8/10 (25 January 2014)

The Endeavour of a stylish and captivating acting make up for a very much interesting and fun around joyride with some sense of morality issue. In the line between right and wrong lies a complex sense of pleasure and justice. There is a sort of entanglement that sometimes confusing and hard to choose one "right" thing over another. The bigger picture is the world is not black and white, yet certainly "grayish". A theme like this is nothing new in the world of Hollywood cinema, either in the past or present. It is almost revisited on a yearly basis and most of the time it turns out to be a let down or plays out on over pretentiousness. Fortunately enough, this is not one of it due to a clever storyline and bold direction of David O Russel.
While it isn't entirely based on any factual history or rather infamous past events, Some of it is inspired by an FBI operation in early 1980 called "Abscam", which involved a fake Arabian from a part of New York to trapped some major player who conducted big corruption that eventually led to exposure and prosecution around those circle of involvement. Whether it was a success or a bust, the story didn't focus on its truth. Instead, its revolves around an experienced con-man named Irving (Christian Bale) in verge of pulling the biggest con of his entire career of conning innocence people in the purpose of setting up a bait for FBI to trap a corrupt, yet naive Major Carmine (Jeremmy Renner) from city of Camden. As Irving prepares for the meeting with Carmine, he is washing his face along with the calm before song "Horse with No Name" by famous early 70's folk band America. With helps from his attractive mistress named Sydney and FBI Agent named Richie who planned the idea and controlled the operation. As the meeting went down Irving, Sydney, and Richie sit down with the major to persuade him to take the money that they have planned before. In a sudden way, the mayor begin to feel uncomfortable by Richie nervousness and resulted in his rejection toward it before leaving in emotion. Afterwards, Irving immediately angered and blaming Richie about the failure. In reverse plot of show and tell, Irving then describe how he eventually walk into the situation. In a subtle way of how he began as a con before his first encounter with Sydney and his entrapment of a false marriage with his obnoxious wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence), how he manage to maintain it because of his beloved son and his principal of playing it safe.
It opens up in a very stylish way as of Scorsese gangster movie. one particular that closely resembled is "Casino". The three musketeers of con artist that consist of Christian Bale,Bradley Cooper,and Amy Adams are already a scene to be captivated. As it capture how these three gifted Actors enters the picture before they goes on to the roller coaster ride of mixed emotions. as the story progress,it becomes prominence that the star-studded cast has seamlessly integrate within each scene. The leading character arch is Christian Bale brilliant portrayal of Irving. Bale's method acting signature hasn't been tiresome or predictable, instead his control of the character has elevated the film emotion through his given perspective. Whether in his downfall of self-entrapment in relationship or when his money making trickery hit a jackpot His performance could easily conveys sympathy and sometimes a necessary laugh. Another high remark goes to Amy Adams captivating performance as Bale's partners in crime. Adams could easily switch from being witty into more dramatic approaches toward her character. another example of brilliant method acting is shown through the show-stealing performance from Jennifer Lawrence as Irving repulsive wife, yet also annoyingly funny most of the times. a credit is due for Lawrence perfect comic timing and moody portrayal. it is one of the reason why the movie is also genuinely hilarious and honestly ironic. in part of another supports,Bradley Cooper is also a solid addition for the cast excellence. despite being overlook,his witty improvisation and straight forward sarcasm is also due for a credit.