Everyone in this movie brought their A-game. Christian Bale is unrecognizable, and Amy Adams is mesmerizing. Cooper's character is a tad eccentric, but he nails the performance even better than in Silver Linings Playbook.
Jennifer Lawrence plays Rosalyn Rosenfield, Irving's unpredictable wife. While there is an unusual amount of focus on such a small character, she definitely shows the audience that her Oscar win for Silver Linings was not a fluke. I was a skeptic of her talent until I saw this strong performance.
Jeremy Renner has played characters in the past that were all fairly similar. This one completely throws his formula out the window. He owns the role of Carmine Polito, showing his range as an actor. The former mayor of Camden, New Jersey may have some redemption through this film, not just Renner's performance.
Louis C.K. plays Stoddard Thorsen, DiMaso's superior in the FBI. C.K. doesn't seem to have a large range of acting, but he works well in what he does have. He and Cooper play off each other well, especially with DiMaso's aggressive behavior during most of their scenes. I'm just sorry that we'll never hear the end of the ice fishing story.
The film really immerses the audience in the feel of the late 1970s. The clothes, the hair, the rotary phones, and the way people communicate verbally all project a natural experience of the time period. I'll expect a nomination for Best Costume Design among others. Speaking of which, Christian Bale looked extremely dedicated to the role by gaining weight, and his elaborate hairstyle was exquisite.
The relationships between the characters are so complex, but put together so well on screen. You can understand every character's thought process as he or she makes decisions. Most of them allow emotions to influence their decisions, and you can see what event in the movie triggers these emotional reactions.
Russell wrote this film remarkably well. As complex as the plot becomes, it remains easy enough for the audience to follow it. The best part is, you're never entirely sure if characters are being legitimate, but the plan has to move along no matter what. Whether it's facial expressions on each character as something goes wrong, or simply explaining a plan, the acting, combined with the script, makes a comprehensible and entertaining movie.
Apparently this film is nominated for "Best Comedy" at the Golden Globes. While it has its moments in terms of hilarity, it's much more dramatic and crime centered than it is funny.Though the internet will not find itself in a shortage of funny Jennifer Lawrence GIFs anytime soon.
I have no doubt in my mind David O. Russell will be nominated for Screenwriting and Directing at the Oscars, and that at least 2 of these actors will be nominated for Acting awards. I once described Captain Phillips to be this year's Zero Dark Thirty. Well American Hustle is this year's Argo, and I think that this has Best Picture potential.
Rating: A+
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