Oscar Watch: American Hustle Review

From the opening of the film there is no doubt that David O Russell's American Hustle is an excursive in style. The film begins with great confidence in media res not giving the audience any background about what's happening and expecting us to instead focus on the characters and their interactions. This is a bold move in what turns out to be quite a bold movie: one that has glamorous stars and which appears to have a glamorous plot line but one which is inevitably far more about characters and their relationships than one might expect. American Hustle is a complex and highly stylish film which defies expectations to the point where I almost feel like it requires a second viewing.

The truth is that the plot is very complex. Much of it is actually purposefully shady and left for the end of the film but when watching it for the first time one does not know that. This film builds upon this complex tale of con men, politicians, and FBI agents with many character studies. The film really cares more about the people involved and less about explaining exactly what's going on. This may be frustrating to some viewers who went to the film expected a tightly plotted film like Argo. There is a plot and when it reaches its conclusion it makes sense but it is a little more complex than the average plot of a Hollywood film.

The acting is where this film really shines. Christian Bale completely transformed himself for the role of Irving and he truly embodies the character. It is hard to believe that this is the same actor who played the Dark Knight. Amy Adams gives a really fantastic performance as well, showing the weaknesses and vitality of character in subtle ways that help to illustrate who Sydney is. Bradley Cooper does a fine job as the FBI agent. Jeremy Renner really does a remarkable thing in making this targeted politician one whom we actually sympathize with. And Jennifer Lawrence managed to not only hold her own  in this cast but give one of the very best supporting screen performances this reviewer has ever seen. Her energy and the realism she brings to the role fill the movie with so much energy that you want to applaud when her scene has finished. There are some great cameos as well but to spoil those would be to ruin the fun and there is much fun to be had.

American Hustle is directed with incredible style. Russell infuses this film with both a glamorous style (reminiscent of Goodfellas) and his own particular style as seen in his other films. This movie has glamorous stars playing con games and a well chosen musical score to match but in the end it works because of the acting and the characters of the film. Russell understands this and does not let the style get ahead of him. He is a great actors' director because he plays to their performances. This film really has two styles and plays to both of them. The first style is one that is broad and extravagant with flowing camera movies and soaring seventies music. The second style is more intimate and character driven  with the camera closer to the actors and the music subdued. because of this there is a lot going on in American Hustle and it really is difficult to take it all in. I have not yet had the ability to view it a second time but if I did I think that I would have an even greater appreciation for it. As it stands this film has actors and a director at the top of his/their games and that's reason enough to see it. 4.5/5

Oscar Watch: Saving Mr. Banks Review

After a winter break hiatus, I am now returning to this blog to write reviews in anticipation of the Academy awards. These reviews will focus on both the films themselves and their chances of winning Oscar gold and will conclude with my personal year in review.

Saving Mr. Banks had a very strong chance of ending up as a special feature on some Mary Poppins Blu-Ray someday. The idea of making an entire movie about the making of a beloved film classic was a risk because there was a chance that it could have no personality of its own. Thankfully for moviegoers Saving Mr. Banks not only has its own personality but is a truly fine film in its own right.

Saving Mr. Banks tells the story of PL Travers, the author of Mary Poppins;. We see scenes of her childhood and inspiration for the book as well as scenes of the older Ms. Travers working and fighting with the Disney company over the rights to her beloved characters. What makes this plot work is that it does well by the woman herself. By deciding to focus very much on her storyline this film becomes more than a making of documentary. We watch as the director slowly unfolds the character of this woman before our eyes and as he does so we slowly come to understand her.

Much credit for this must be given to Emma Thompson who brings Travers to life with a sense of realism that helps us to believe that this is a real person and also a real enigma. This is essential for the film to work the way it does and the acting job of Ms. Thompson helps give the film its life. Tom Hanks also give s a very good performance as Walt Disney. His character is far less of an enigma; he's a good salesman, and as an audience we feel immediately taken in by Hanks' presence. The film manages to both focus on Travers but also focus on the making of this classic film. When the film is at its best it combines these two goals in sequences that work on more than one level.

It isn't perfect though. It is quite a sentimental film and that may not be to everybody's liking and many of the developments that occur are not really unforeseen. There are certainly elements of the story that have been trod on again and again in these types of films and some may protest that it is not all entirely true to what actually happened.

Despite these minor quibbles this movie exceeded my expectations in that it was not just a love letter to Mary Poppins but a good film in its own right. It also made me want to revisit Mary Poppins. I would actually suggest that to get the most out of the film one should view the classic first because there are many nods in this that will be lost if you have not recently seen it. Overall I found this to be an entertaining film that is perfect for the winter season. I don't think it will be nominated for best picture but I do believe that Ms. Thompson deserves at least a nomination as best actress for her performance. 4/5