DP/30: David O. Russell does American Hustle

The 7th feature film from David O. Russell tells a story about 4 con artists... some professional, some not. But all in search of some greater truth about themselves. An all-star cast of former Russell stars comes together for American Hustle.
Shot in Los Angeles, December 2013
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[@OsofoGriot]

Yes yes yes yes yes! I just saw a press screening of this, and WHAT a piece! Looking forward to hearing the director's thoughts.

[@notforone]

Regarding Christian Bale being happier with work and on press these days: I noticed it too. He's been laughing more, he seems more open, and eager/more willing to answer questions in these two press trips for OOTF and AH. More than I've ever seen him. Such a pleasant change to see him finally accepting/happier of his position regarding publicity of his work.

[@inceptionreport2869]

One of my favourite directors, one of my favourite movies

[@3434arc1]

American Hustle was an extremely entertaining movie. Talk about a hot streak? I'd put David O Russell's last three movies (The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook, & American Hustle) up against anybody's last three. This guy has really hit his stride.

[@NewtFidoScamander]

One of my favorite directors. The Fighter, SLP are so wonderful, AH excellent, Joy super underrated. STM, FWD strong and TK excellent. Haven’t seen I Heart Huckabees but he’s crazy consistent, unique voice. Also only shoots on film, a huge plus

[@MrSickcant]

Thank-you! That was great.

[@Thaulin]

So much hate in the comments... I'm happy for the guy, he seems to have found his purpose and that's a great thing to have. American Hustle wasn't great imho but The Fighter was both incredible and heartfelt.

[@kehkeh92821]

I think he seems like a very humble person; probably just feels a little out of place compared to some directors since his journey wasn't the traditional route. I honestly love the unique perspective he brings to his movies though.

[@thchruan]

fantastic movie

[@got0die]

can't wait to watch the movie!

[@teaber]

The more he goes on about how "real" his movies are, and he 's over his "head up his a**" phase, the more fake he seems to me. Am I the only one who finds his super-pretentious and annoying? Having said that, I did enjoy The Fighter and, to a certain extent, Silver Linings. Plus, some of my favourite and smart actors seem to love him, so maybe I am off base here...

[@Auntkekebaby]

I agree. I like The Fighter only

[@richfictionfighter]

I think the deal is Russell has been thru so much fire (personally and professionally). Fighting George Clooney on Three Kings, Lily Tomlin's meltdown on Huckabees, projects after Huckabees that were never completed, his divorce. Russell admitted on Charlie Rose he contemplated suicide at one point. I think he's just slightly embarrassed by his behaviour earlier in his career. He has obviously matured over the years and has grown as a director and human being

[@catch1357]

thank you for this great interview! is there any chance of getting JLaw? :)

[@JosephDeGolyer]

Well, I like David O. Russell, he's done good work.

[@johnsailorsgoat]

Does anybody else think he looks depressed as hell?

[@cooltroop2]

Some men just have a serious face and mood, but they're okay. Maybe he is depressed, idk, what I'm saying is many men look like this and aren't depressed.

[@mrt445]

He does, he looks tired

[@nyc863]

I don't think Bradley Coper made Ritchie likeable enough. He came over as a coke fueled villain from start to end, everyone else was more conflicted and interesting.

[@StellaAdler_]

I heard horror stories about this director. He’s career is over now. He abused so many people in every film crew - threw furniture at them, punched people and many diff. things. He looks so normal!! He’s FAR from it!!

[@guileniam]

Sad american hustle sucked after how good silver linings was. One was a breath of fresh air, the other some regurgitated vomit of scorseses finer pickings.

[@krishnanym211]

+Dizzy Blu ...

[@shanilaseemi6237]

No body should give punishment just for xonflict of intrest to each other with respect

[@vinicius.manhaes.23]

25:22 0.0 wow... ok...

[@AustinPPutnam]

is it me or does he look pissed off?

[@OsofoGriot]

Probably had a really really long day of boring interviewers asking "SO! What was it like working with - ". Press junkets aren't fun, in general.

[@nar0099]

I wish I could change my whole physiogeny...

[@lamentate07]

O'Russell is so bland and middle of the road now. He started off well and then went down after Three Kings. The Fighter was a really awkward mix of an cliched sports drama and British social realism. It really didn't work at all in my view and I'm shocked how popular it is. With the exception of PTA, the other American generation X directors that showed promise in the 90's have gone downhill.

[@mcplainview8376]

What do you think happened to the generation x filmmakers that have gone downhill?

[@seanocean4745]

i like his films but theres something about him that bothers me...

[@RyanGiggsOBE]

i know what you mean, as a director he is incredible, but as a person he dont think he comes across as 'questionable'

[@AustinStorm]

RyanGiggsOBE He's just really, really intense.

[@miserablemeatbag4754]

This guy tries to act like he's unaware at the Scorsese comparisons. How could you possibly be unaware? You are desperately trying to emulate his craft in this film and failing miserably.

[@wspsaves]

David O Russel - Excellent filmmaker? Besides American Hustle and I Heart Huckabees I wouldn't use such a word. Great filmmaker? Sure. Kind of a prick? Possibly!

[@777boman]

So you must have not seen Silver Linings Playbook and The Fighter then?

[@wiisalute]

I met him.

[@inceptionreport2869]

What Was He Like?

[@wiisalute]

Nicest guy I've ever met. There are other famous people id love to meet, especially Maisie Williams

[@shanilaseemi6237]

Amy is the best candidate for you . ..good luck please

[@shanilaseemi6237]

No body say any thing to richie I like rrichie so much.

[@Scotty_Russell_Music]

A very disappointing film, so slow,boring and confusing. One of the least interesting films I've recently seen.

[@johnsailorsgoat]

this film is anything but slow

[@guileniam]

John Sailors its slow

[@bennyjones1502]

it's weird because i felt like this film was always on, and its actors were always doing something interesting that was worth watching, and thus i was transfixed the whole time. when people say "but nothing really happens" it kind of baffles me because the way that these characters are acted, it's almost like you can see their contradictions all the time while you're watching. but I guess it's OK if someone doesn't find these things compelling, then I can understand why someone might find the film slow or boring, if they don't find this sort of movie and character interactions interesting. for me, it was really really captivating seeing all these characters act and react the way they did with each other.

[@Scotty_Russell_Music]

Man, i seen this at the cinema and it was so fucking boring i'd disengaged by 15 mins in. If you can't get me into a film in 15 real time minutes your dumb slow pointless tiresome tedious movie can fuck the fuck off.

[@Pinkdustland]

terrible film

[@Auntkekebaby]

Yup

[@dylanedwards2056]

***** Russel has become a sentimental soul during this chapter of his career and I'm all for it. The details he pours into his characters really resonate with me in American Hustle. They all have identifiable origins, ambitions, hopes, desires for reinvention, appreciation, recognition, lust for life and love. THAT'S what this movie is about. Underneath a dazzling real-life caper (which was far more interesting than any contrivance of Ocean's 11, 12, or 13) and energized star-studded performances lies something more refreshingly human and empathetic than I have seen at the movies in a long time. It is also undoubtably clever, funny, and sexy. If that isn't a formula for a fine American classic, I don't know what is.

[@gabeplg]

It's all a matter of personal opinion, but I'd really like to hear your thoughts on why it was terrible. To me it doesn't matter how I try to look at it, be it objectively or as a movie fan, it seems like a solid movie all around. I, personally, loved it.