"American Hoax" story happened In the United States in 1981, not long after the 1970s, the economies of European and American countries were in a period of stagflation. The trade deficit has resulted in a sharp drop in gold and foreign exchange reserves. It is in such a "stimulus" environment that a large number of speculators have appeared, and some of them are "liars". "Money is not everything, but no money is absolutely impossible."-Yankees always like to follow this law the most.
When Bell came on stage with a big belly in the opening, I could clearly see the "$" written on his face. The story of "American Scam" is relatively simple. It is about a pair of scammers "helping" the FBI to capture corrupt officials. David O. Russell just used his best "story to serve the characters" and made a delicious "American Pie".
The main characters in "American Hoax" are typical of self-deception. Although it is also mentioned in the movie that they cheated only to survive, it is clear that they are fully capable of doing things that do not violate the law to support themselves, and even become wealthy, because they are very smart. But in that impetuous age, everyone wanted to become wealthy, wanted to realize the old-fashioned "American Dream", eager for quick success, unscrupulous, and said that money is always mixed with evil. There are many scenes in "American Hoax". They are all gloomy, as if they represent those places that the sun couldn't find in that era.
If you just want to watch a brain-burning scam, you will be disappointed. This film is not only about the process of deception, but also involves a lot of thinking about human relations and ethics. The relationship between the five main characters is placed in an important position by David O. Russell, who is also a director. The quarrels and disputes are not talking, and the slightly exaggerated performance mode makes the interactive drama of the protagonists full of fun—— At the same time, it is reflected in body language and punch lines. This makes the film a bit "exaggerated", but without any derogation, "exaggerated" is the style required for this story. Russell has perfectly integrated his favorite neurotic self-deprecating factor into this generation show this time. inside.
First of all, we must know that Russell is not a serious director who pays attention to film aesthetics like Paul Thomas Anderson. His movie combines the pleasure of taking drugs and the chattering features of soap operas. Looking at several representative works that he thinks are "Three Kings of Gold", "Fighter", "The Happiness Line Behind the Dark Clouds", the protagonists are all careless and a little nervous, which makes you hate at the same time. It will feel cute again. In "American Hoax", the storyline is still suppressed to a secondary position by the characterization. It can be said that the technique of "character relationship promotes the plot" has played a significant role in this film. If "Fighter" depicts too much family trivial matters, and "Line of Happiness" is a bit cheap to move these shortcomings in his works that are not pleasing to you, then in "American Hoax", you are not used to him, or you start to admire him. My choice is the latter.
After the release of "American Hoax", many media commented that Russell's new work has the shadow of the Martin Scorsese movie. I watched this movie with doubts, and the conclusion is: it looks really like! The most alike are "Goodies" and "Casino Wind". It also has the texture of nostalgic atmosphere. From the film rhythm, story advancement and picture style, it can be seen that Russell is deeply influenced by the old horse. Even the taste of using the soundtrack is very similar-the rock and roll of the 1960s and 1970s. And classic jazz. In this regard, Russell himself said very directly: “Martin is the mentor of our generation. We will not learn from him, but we can’t be inspired by him. The first time for "Angry Bull" Rid Niro When I took his wife to the apartment, the wall was hung with a cross, which gave me a very special feeling. I hope that "American Hoax" can do the same."
David O. Russell is a director who likes to make group shows. Things all fans know. The casts of "American Hoax" subvert the image, and the scenes are full of sparks, as if apart from Jennifer Lawrence and Bell, the other three actors are venting: Look at my performance, what are you waiting for Oscar? !
Irving (Christian Bell)
The first scene of the film is the male character played by Bell with a big belly, talking to himself in the mirror, reminding me of De Niro in "Angry Bull". In many places in the film, Bell has the shadow of Robert De Niro when he was young (De Niro also appeared as a gangster in the film), especially his speech style: eyes staring at each other seriously, gestures. a lot of. In addition, for the first time I feel that Bell's voice is so like De Niro... I have to admit that Bell is really a rubber body, and he is always so dedicated in acting. Irving's image can be said to be ruined, but he was lucky enough to be deeply loved by two women, and the ending of the triangle relationship was happy.
Sydney (Amy Adams)
Among the five main roles, Sydney is the most complicated and full-portioned one. Amy Adams is a master of acting. Although he does not subvert his image like Bell, he is still the same. She is like an American sweetheart, but she has brought to life the woman's shrewdness, her vacillation in love, and her desire to be in the upper class society. It's time to give her an Oscar.
Richie (Bradley Cooper)
Richie, to put it bluntly, is a spare tire played with emotions + a dumb policeman who is played around. Cooper's Afro is very disco era. He is the one who talks the most in the movie. The reason why he was fooled is because of his simplicity and a lot of talk.
Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence)
Jennifer Lawrence is the one with the least drama in the movie but the most dramatic. Rosalyn is a vulgar and stupid housewife, she is the only person in the movie who has nothing to do with the scam itself. What she wants is very simple, is a husband who can make her live a good life. She really loves her husband Irving, but she eventually collapsed after repeated deceptions, leaving the little San Sydney to make a living. Zhan Niu's performance is full of passion, although she has just been her actress, but it is absolutely reasonable to give the best actress to the Oscar in 14 years.
Carmine (Jeremy Renner)
Carmine is a relatively flat character, he trusts Irving too much, but the latter still exposes his corruption to the public. PS: The mayor is too cute from the image (it has something to do with Jeremy Renner's appearance).
The nostalgia of "American Hoax" is obvious. In addition to the extensive use of jazz soundtracks and classic rock songs, there is also a strong sense of substitution given by the costume setting. Regardless of how earthy the outfits of these people are now, they are just like "American washing, cutting and blowing", but at the time they were definitely the trendy people at the forefront of fashion. The film emphasizes the retro style through all aspects, and restoring the social customs of that era is what Russell values most. The scam itself is no longer so important.
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