From left, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner, Christian Bale and Jennifer Lawrence in a scene from “American Hustle.” (Photo credit: AP photo by Sony – Columbia Pictures, Francois Duhamel)

‘American Hustle’ an absolute brilliant tale of reinvention

Yes, “American Hustle” takes a historical cue from the the Abscam sting conducted by the FBI in the late 1970s and early ’80s. No, this is not a historical lesson in that massive case of public corruption and police overreach.

That’s because director David O. Russell and co-writer Eric Singer run wild with an already crazy story of pay-to-play politics that ensnarled a U.S. senator, six congressmen, a member of the New Jersey State Senate, members of the Philadelphia City Council, the mayor of Camden, N.J., and an inspector for the Immigration and Naturalization Service. (For those who want an factual telling of the case, check out Robert Greene’s “The Sting Man.”)

For those of you who instead want a brilliantly told tale of reinvention and love against the backdrop of ruin and despair, you’re in for one fantastic ride (facts be damned).

“American Hustle,” set in the spring of 1978, boasts an all-star ensemble, headlined by Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. Thanks to Russell’s gifted directorial ability, each star in stunning is his or her portrayal.

We’re introduced to con man Irving Rosenfield (Bale) and romantic/criminal partner, Sydney Prosser (Adams). The two are so good at their lies that FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Cooper) more or less forces them to help him with a white-collar crime sting.

The movie does contain a serious amount of powerful action, but it boils down to a love story, the one between Irving and Sydney. Trust is a powerful tool in the game of love, and the theme of “how can I trust you when you lie for a living?” permeates the entire film.

Case in point: Irving’s wife, Rosalyn, played by Lawrence in a way so mesmerizing yet so repugnant you’ll simply be left breathless.

Not to say anyone is particularly an upstanding citizen in this film. Even the most sincere player in this game — Jeremy Renner’s Mayor Polito — bends the rules so an Arab sheik can donate millions to recharge Atlantic City.

Still, it’s hard to be put off by these characters, thanks in no small part because Russell goes out of his way not to condemn them. Well, at least the ones you think. Our crime-fighting FBI agent gets lost in his own rush, in his desire to be the best of being bad while doing good. It’s easy to see why it’s intoxicating.

Which, of course, raises the moral questions surrounding this particular sting operation and the overreach law enforcement is capable of in what amounts to entrapment. Still, Russell doesn’t delve too deeply into that realm of quandary. His focus: the gift of reinvention.

Because what’s the point of living a lie if you can’t throw the whole thing out and start over?

Five permed stars out of five, and a critic’s pick.

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