After seeing David O. Russel’s previous feature, the overrated “Silver Linings Playbook”, I was somewhat apprehensive about seeing “American Hustle”. Whilst “Silver Linings” was by no means a bad film, its cliché ridden finale suggested an end to the edgy style and visceral storytelling of this acclaimed director. Fortunately, “American Hustle” put all of my fears to rest. This fantastic Oscar-worthy feature firmly establishes itself in the top tier of black comedy gangster epics alongside “Goodfellas” and “Casino”.

As suggested by the opening title card, “some of this actually happened”, this 70s era film is loosely based on the events surrounding operation ABSCAM and follows the lives of two con artists, Irving Rosenfeld and Sydney Prosser, played by Christian Bale and Amy Adams. I guess you could say that both were born with plastic spoons in their mouths. Rosenfeld becomes a hustler out of survival, an ingenious conman who makes his money through selling fake art as well as a fraudulent loaning scheme. Prosser is a small town girl who makes her way to the Big Apple in order to escape the confines of small-town Albuquerque. After a chance meeting, the two are an instant match becoming partners in crime and love. Their success attracts some unwanted attention. Enter Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) an eager career driven FBI agent who catches the two at their game. Facing embezzlement charges, the two are offered a way out if they agree to partake in Richie’s sting operation, aimed at busting corrupt political officials. Not only is Richie the source of the couple’s legal bind, he’s also a threat to Rosenfeld in becoming a potential love interest for Prosser.

At its core, American Hustle is a character study; whereas most films tend to have the plot dictate the characters’, this film has it the other way around. To add to this, the feature has a fantastic cast under its belt, with each of the stars giving tremendous performances; a testimony to Russel’s skill at bringing out the best in actors. Under an awful comb-over, an extra 20 kilos of fat and an offensive 70s wardrobe, Bale doesn’t just play Rosenfeld, he is Rosenfeld. With an equally offensive hairstyle, Cooper gives his most charismatic performance to date and shows off his impeccable comic timing. Amy Adams’ character is the most subtle of the three; she’s assigned the role of the straight guy and whilst she’s out flashed by the two male leads, the actress delivers her lines with skill and the onscreen chemistry that exists between the three leads is convincing. Also worthy of honourable mention is Jeremy Renner, who transforms into the role of the likable but corrupt Mayor Carmine Polito with great conviction. But if we’re talking about the supporting cast, it’s Jennifer Lawrence who steals the show. Playing Rosenfeld’s unnerving, unpredictable long-time wife Rosalyn, she’s a scene stealer delivering some of the funniest lines in the film (made even more hilarious by her overzealous hair and nails).

As usual, Russel’s concept of Mise En Scene’ is superb, with tremendous cinematography, editing and production design. Combine this with an awesome 70s soundtrack and “American Hustle” is sure to be a top contender for awards in 2014. Russel may very well bring Christian Bale and Jennifer Lawrence another Oscar. Make time to see this film over the Christmas break. You’ll be singing Tom Jones’ “Delilah” for the rest of the summer. 4.5/5