American Hustle Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A balding con man, his fake British girlfriend, and a perm-obsessed FBI agent team up to take down New Jersey, but mostly they just argue about art and hairspray.

🍿 American Hustle: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Con Artists and an Ambitious FBI Agent

In 1978, Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale), a seasoned con artist, partners with the alluring Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams). They run various scams, including loan scams where they take upfront fees and disappear. Sydney elevates their game by posing as Lady Edith Greensley, a British aristocrat with London banking connections, attracting bigger marks and increasing their profits.

Caught and Coerced

FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) busts Irving and Sydney. Recognizing their potential, Richie proposes a deal: they help him catch four additional criminals in exchange for their freedom. Sydney initially opposes the plan. Despite suspecting Sydney’s true identity, Richie believes she can be instrumental in taking down corrupt officials.

Targeting Politicians and the Mafia

Richie convinces Irving and Sydney to target bigger fish, including Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner) of Camden, New Jersey, who is seeking funds to revitalize Atlantic City. The plan involves using a fake Arab Sheikh to offer bribes in exchange for building permits and casino licenses. As the operation escalates, it attracts the attention of mobster Victor Tellegio (Robert De Niro), adding a dangerous layer to the con.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale): A brilliant con man who is forced to work with the FBI, navigating the dangerous world of powerbrokers and the mafia.
• Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams): Irving’s cunning and seductive partner, who poses as a British socialite to enhance their con schemes.
• Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper): An ambitious and volatile FBI agent who enlists Irving and Sydney to help him take down corrupt politicians and mobsters.
• Rosalyn Rosenfeld (Jennifer Lawrence): Irving’s unpredictable and eccentric wife, whose actions threaten to unravel the entire operation.
• Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner): The passionate and well-intentioned mayor of Camden, New Jersey, who becomes entangled in the con, seeking funds to revitalize Atlantic City.
• Stoddard Thorsen (Louis C.K.): Richie’s exasperated FBI supervisor who frequently clashes with his unconventional and reckless methods.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Irving: “People believe what they want to believe.” – Irving reflects on the nature of deception and how people willingly accept the lies that fit their desires.
• Sydney: “You’re nothing to me until you’re everything.” – Sydney sets a high bar in a complex relationship, emphasizing the all-or-nothing stakes of their partnership.
• Rosalyn: “He’s not like the other guys. He’s obsessed with Wayne Newton.” – Rosalyn comically highlights Carmine’s unique and endearing personality trait.
• Richie DiMaso: “I’m the only one who knows what’s going on around here!” – Richie, blinded by ambition, overestimates his control over the elaborate con.
• Carmine Polito: “I’m trying to bring jobs to the people.” – Carmine defends his actions, motivated by a genuine desire to help his community, despite his involvement in corrupt dealings.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $150,117,807
• Worldwide Gross: $251,171,807

💥 American Hustle Reviews

Personal Review

I walked out of ‘American Hustle’ buzzing with excitement. The 70s vibe was totally on point, and I loved the soundtrack! Christian Bale was unrecognizable, and Jennifer Lawrence stole every scene she was in. I especially loved the part where Jennifer Lawrence sang ‘Live and Let Die’ while cleaning; it was so over-the-top. Even though the plot got a little convoluted at times, I was completely hooked by the characters and their crazy relationships.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime dramas with complex characters”
  • “Viewers interested in 1970s period pieces”
  • “Audiences who appreciate films with witty dialogue and twists”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Frequent strong language”
  • “Sexual content and partial nudity”
  • “Some violence and drug use”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “A dazzling, dizzying, darkly funny masterpiece, ‘American Hustle’ is a wild ride through the 70s underworld, fueled by unforgettable performances and David O. Russell’s signature blend of chaos and heart.
• The New York Times: “David O. Russell’s ‘American Hustle’ is a stylish, energetic, and surprisingly moving con-artist caper, elevated by its stellar cast and a sharp, witty script that keeps you guessing until the very end.
• Variety: “Dazzling performances from Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Bradley Cooper highlight this electrifying film. The 70s-era costumes and soundtrack create an immersive cinematic experience, making it an unforgettable crime drama.

Audience Reactions

Jennifer Lawrence’s performance as Rosalyn was hilarious and unpredictable.: The strong performances by the entire cast and the authentic 70s atmosphere made it a must-see.

The soundtrack perfectly captured the era and enhanced the film’s energy.: The movie was stylish, funny, and kept audiences guessing until the end.

Overall Consensus: ‘American Hustle’ is a stylish and entertaining crime drama with standout performances, but the complex plot may not appeal to everyone.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy)- 2014
2. Golden Globe Award (Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy)- 2014
3. Golden Globe Award (Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture)- 2014
4. BAFTA Award (Best Actress in a Supporting Role)- 2014

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Much of the dialogue in the film was improvised, allowing the actors to bring their own interpretations to their characters and create a more natural and spontaneous feel.”
• “Christian Bale gained approximately 40 pounds for his role as Irving Rosenfeld, physically transforming himself to better embody the character’s persona.”
• “The film is loosely based on the Abscam scandal of the late 1970s and early 1980s, where the FBI used a con man to investigate political corruption.”
• “Jennifer Lawrence’s character Rosalyn was originally written to be much older, but David O. Russell was so impressed with Lawrence’s audition that he rewrote the role for her.”

🖥️ How to Watch American Hustle?

American Hustle is available to rent or buy on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability. You may also find it streaming on services that offer rotating movie selections. For physical copies, search online retailers like Amazon or visit your local stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed American Hustle, you might like these similar films:

• Goodfellas (1990): Both films explore the world of crime with a focus on character-driven narratives and dynamic storytelling.
• Catch Me If You Can (2002): Features a charismatic con artist and the cat-and-mouse game with law enforcement.
• Argo (2012): Both movies are based on true events and involve high-stakes operations with elements of deception and suspense.
• The Sting (1973): A classic con movie set in an earlier era known for its intricate plot twists and charismatic characters.
• The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): Showcases excess, corruption, and the pursuit of wealth through illegal means, with a darkly comedic tone.

🛒 American Hustle Related Products

• American Hustle [Blu-ray]: Relive the con again and again with this high-definition version of the movie, featuring behind-the-scenes extras.
• 70s Retro Disco Shirt for Men: Capture the style and fun of the 1970s disco era with this polyester button-up shirt, featuring bold patterns and colors, ideal for themed parties and retro events. Channel your inner Irving Rosenfeld.
• Wayne Dyer – Power of Intention – (Rosalyn’s Book): Discover the principles of intention with this transformative book, exploring how you can reshape your life. As referenced in the movie by Rosalyn.
• American Hustle – Movie Poster: Celebrate the film’s unique style with a replica of the original movie poster, printed on high-quality paper to bring the film’s bold imagery to life.

🎧 Soundtrack

American Hustle features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Good Times” – performed by Chic
• “Live and Let Die” – performed by Paul McCartney & Wings
• “Jeep’s Blues” – performed by Duke Ellington

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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Curious about a funny take on ‘American Hustle’? Check out Tina Fey’s hilarious joke from the Golden Globes!

Mark Kermode reviews American Hustle

Want a deeper look into ‘American Hustle’? Mark Kermode’s review is a must-watch for film enthusiasts.

A History of Abuse – David O. Russell is Finished

Uncover the fascinating yet controversial world surrounding ‘American Hustle’ in this in-depth analysis of director David O. Russell’s career.

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