The True Crime Movie With A Batman Star Being Hidden From The Public
These days, true-story crime thrillers seem to be cropping up all over the place, with filmmakers eager to expose society’s seedy underbelly to their viewing public. One film, 2013’s American Hustle, is a critically acclaimed look into government corruption and mob influence in the highest stages of government. It offers a distinct look into the relationship between the media and investigative bodies.
Unfortunately, American Hustle is very difficult to find on streaming and is not available to view through any of the most popular outlets.
American Hustle Only Available With Subscriptions
Those hoping to catch American Hustle without purchasing a physical or digital copy of the film will have to subscribe to Apple TV+ with a Showtime subscription add-on, according to Justwatch.
The film is written and directed by controversial filmmaker David O’Russell, who is best known for helming such classic movies as Silver Linings Playbook, Joy, and The Fighter.
The film was made on a minor budget of only $40 million, and shot primarily in locations across Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts.
American Hustle’s All-Star Cast
American Hustle stars Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner, Robert De Niro, and a nearly unrecognizable Christian Bale. Bale gained over 40 pounds and shaved his head into a manufactured shape of male-pattern baldness for the film, in order to fully embody the role of the perpetually slouching conman Irving Rosenfeld.
Apparently, Robert De Niro didn’t even recognize the Dark Knight Rises actor after meeting him on set, even after they had been formally introduced off-camera.
Based On The Abscam Operations
American Hustle serves as a loose adaptation of the FBI’s Abscam operations throughout the late 1970s. These operations sought to expose government corruption and the influence of foreign financial backing within American infrastructure.
Christian Bale’s Irving Rosenfeld is a stand-in for the real-life con artist Melvin Weinberg, who assisted in running scams on government officials to demonstrate their willingness to take bribes.
Working The Scheme
In American Hustle, Irving Rosenfeld and his girlfriend Sydney pose as wealthy aristocrats within the art world in order to swindle old money art collectors.
When the pair become caught in an FBI sting, they are tasked with working alongside agent Richie DiMaso to ensnare government officials and politicians in their schemes.
Irving enlists the help of a personal friend to pose as an Arab sheikh, which catches the attention of New Jersey Mayor Carmine Polito.
Embroiled In Corruption
Agent DiMaso secures $2 million in FBI funding to use as a bribe, posing the money as an investment from the sheikh. Mayor Polito will use to fund growth opportunities within Atlantic City, supporting the local economy.
Before long, the Atlantic City mob gets wind of the investment and demands additional wire transfers of up to $10 million in order to do business.
As the plot of American Hustle continues to spiral out of control, the FBI becomes embroiled in a corruption scandal that turns the entire department inside out.
Streaming American Hustle
American Hustle managed to bring in over $251 million at the global box office, making the production an enormous success.
The film was also lauded by critics and audiences alike, and currently touts an impressive 92 percent certified fresh critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Jeremy Renner‘s performance as Mayor Carmine Polito, based on real-life Mayor Angelo Errichetti, was especially hailed, with Errichetti’s friends and family stating the character was like a perfect clone of the real man.
For those interested in catching American Hustle, the film is available to stream through Apple TV+ with a Showtime add-on. Of course, it may simplify things to just rent or purchase the film from digital retailers instead. Either way, the film is a bonafide classic that deserves to be seen.
Source: Justwatch
