Oscar Watch: 'American Hustle' gets nostalgic in its first trailer
Posted Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 4:21 PM Central
by John Couture
Last year, Silver Linings Playbook was the underdog that came through with the big Oscar win for Jennifer Lawrence. While the Best Actress win is the most memorable moment for this enjoyable film, people might forget that Silver Linings Playbook gained 8 nominations, including all four acting awards.
Director David O. Russell, who was also nominated for Best Director, doesn't forget that easily, so it's no surprise that he kept his core acting talents together for his next film, American Hustle. Bradley Cooper and Lawrence are joined by Christian Bale and Amy Adams this time in the story that is loosely based on the whole Abscam affair.
Basically, there are FBI agents, corrupt elected politicians and con artists working their schemes in the late 1970s. If today's first look and interview with David O. Russell are any indication, they've nailed it.
The '70s hair and fashions almost steal the show from Adams and Lawrence's cleavage, which is (shockingly!) front and center during the trailer. It was a different time back them, but you'll remember that Academy is sort of nostalgic itself. Silver Linings Playbook lost in many of the categories it was nominated for to Argo, which is itself a film based on true events from the late '70s.
So, if you're looking for a sure bet, I think Christian Bale is a lock for a nomination, as is Amy Adams. I wouldn't rule out Jeremy Renner in a supporting role either. Time will tell, but I think this one is a leading Oscar candidate.