David O Russell is in top form, rejoined by his Silver Linings Playbook principals (Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence), plus further “it” actors of the moment Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner (plus more uncredited cameos). The film dramatizes the ABSCAM FBI sting operation of the late 70s/early 80s which nabbed several corrupt politicians including Congressmen, told from the viewpoint of the small-time conman (a nearly unrecognizable Bale) who was hired to be its brains. Though not as crowd-pleasing as Silver Linings (the characters are not as likeable and more one-dimensional, dialog not quite as sharp, and plot not as simple as a rom com), the movie will surely be a contender for top gongs, and thoroughly deserves its 7 Golden Globe noms so far. A lot of fun!
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12 Years A Slave (2013, dir. Steve McQueen): showing us the closest thing to a living Hell on earth
Addendum: After it’s well-deserved Academy Award for Best Film, and further reflecting on the movie, I’d have to remark that being a non-white in the 19th century American South was the closest thing to a living hell on earth. In every way as horrifying, de-humanizing and fundamentally evil as the Holocaust.
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Posted by Jokersmiley on January 25, 2014 in Film Reviews, Passive Media, Social Commentary
Tags: 12 Years A Slave, Academy Award, Best Film, Brad Pitt, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Oscars, Solomon Northup, Steve McQueen