American Hustle

The characters in American Hustle might not be very appealing, but their world is alluring enough to make that point moot.

That’s the idea in this rousing period piece from director David O. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook), which is a character-driven caper comedy that visually indulges in the excesses of its setting while narratively demonstrating restraint and originality.

The ambitious screenplay by Russell and Eric Singer (The International) is loosely based on the ABSCAM operation by the FBI in the late 1970s. While consistently funny and clever, it helps to have a top-notch cast to make the material come alive.

The ensemble helps to spotlight virtues in those who are flawed, and flaws in those who are virtuous, earning sympathy where sometimes none is deserved.

Specifically, Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) is an experienced con man who — along with his partner and mistress (Amy Adams) — is recruited by an overzealous FBI agent (Bradley Cooper) to assist in a big-money undercover operation related to political bribery for new development in Atlantic City.

The plan involves infiltrating and taking down some of the most influential criminals and financial powerbrokers in New Jersey, including passionate Camden mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner), who becomes caught in the middle. But naturally there are some complications, most notably with a Miami crime boss (an unbilled and only vaguely recognizable Robert De Niro) who suspects some funny business, and the unpredictable nature of Irving’s alcoholic trophy wife (Jennifer Lawrence).

Bale, sporting a potbelly and massive comb-over, offers a compelling portrayal of a sleazy womanizer, while Adams is chameleonic and seductive as his accomplice. Cooper shrewdly plays a man driven to madness by power.

While lacking much emotional depth, the film is taut and stylish, with amusing yet detailed period re-creation that pokes fun at the fashions and trends of the time without going overboard, along with a cool soundtrack.

The themes are familiar in a film about deception, greed, corrupt politicians and dishonor among thieves. Yet above all, American Hustle sticks to its character-driven approach, making it about relationships at its core.

The narration shifts perspective among the three main characters, which proves insightful instead of gimmicky. Everyone has dark secrets, shifting loyalties and ulterior motives — what they say and what they do are two different things — which makes it tremendously fun to watch the whole scheme inevitably unravel.

Rated R, 138 minutes.