Tuesday, January 28, 2014

we all hustle to survive

Holy plunging neckline, “American Hustle” is a good movie. (does a neckline transform to something else when reaches far far from the neck? I mean I stopped looking at her neck instantly.)



We took in “American Hustle” at the matinee this weekend. It should win best picture (the only other nominee I’ve seen was “Gravity”). Now that’s just this fool’s opinion. Movies like other art is very subjective. The movie has been released for more than a month so there has been plenty of talk and buzz about it. I don’t care to see movies on their opening weekend. I dislike crowds.

The plot is based on the real ABSCAM story from the late 1970’s. There was a real con man who the FBI used in a large sting operation. So often truth is stranger than fiction. Of course they added a good amount of fiction to the story too. The twists and moving shifts in the character’s relationships kept me wondering who was scamming who. Who was going down and who would end up on top at the end. I guess in the end we all scam each other and ourselves at some level.

The creators pieced together perfect background music for the various scenes.  Ok the story takes place in the late 70’s, so the soundtrack appeals more to those that were adults (older teens) during that disco era. One of the best matches was the scene with Jennifer Lawrence whose character had just ratted on her cheating con-man husband singing “Live and Let Die” as she aggressively cleans. The scene focuses on her anger in a funny way. (my wife doesn’t sing while cleaning but if she ever started belting out this song, I would be hitting the road)

I found a site called what-song that not only lists the songs but a short description of the scene it was used it. From their list I discovered that the “White Rabbit” cover was done in Arabic by Mayssa Karaa. It was such a fit that I didn’t even notice it was being sung in a different language. The scene involved the mob meeting with the fake Sheik.


Finally, this movie refreshed street wisdom I tend to forget: 

Hustlers are found in both genders.

 

10 comments:

Dawn Saros-Kirk said...

I heard this was really good. And Gravity too. I want to see both movies. Hmm..if you weren't looking at her neck, what could you have been looking at?? Glad you enjoyed the movie. Thanks for the review!

lisleman said...

Gravity was good too but the story didn't develop much. The astronaut is fighting the impossible odds to get home but the viewer never hears anything about the people on the ground.
Your question - I call it eye candy. A good term until someone punches you in the eye.

Cheryl P. said...

I haven't seen either of these films yet. I, also wait until a movie is out for awhile as I hate crowded theaters.

I am not sure I am up to seeing Bradley Cooper with a perm. That might be something I can't recover from.

lisleman said...

Yeah they show him with curlers. I think that shot might have been in the previews. Many of the funny moments in the movie involve his character. thanks

Gorilla Bananas said...

I never actually heard anyone singing 'Live and Let Die' without the musical accompaniment, which seems fairly essential to the song, so I might have to see this film. If your wife sings it, just pray she's referring to the bugs in your house - there's no such thing as a risk-free marriage.

lisleman said...

The music was playing in the background. Good point about not noticing the risk. But then she might see me as a bug.
thanks

deborahpucci said...

We felt that way too but since American Hustle I have seen all but two movies up for Academy Awards. Dallas Buyers Club and 12 Years a Slave are our top two right now, they were both excellent!

lisleman said...

"12 Years a Slave" certainly is a more serious movie about an awful tragedy in that society than "American Hustle". I have not seen either of these but I did see/read a bit about the slave story. Also, the other one on your short list I assume is a serious movie too. Movie stories can be so different and I find it hard to compare them. thanks

Nita said...

I don't often get a chance to go to the movies but maybe it is time I did. I will have to see if it is playing near me.

lisleman said...

I often wait until it's on DVD but the big screen and fresh popcorn is a nice change from the couch. thanks

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