[film] Amsterdam-
Amsterdam is a mix of picaresque comedy and social drama. The complex story is supported by the fantastic actors.
David O. Russell as a director is based on predictable. Amsterdam, his latest film, is Russell all the way. It is a prank comedy and also a social drama. In 2013, he already made the picaresque comedy American Hustle, which is in theme and elaboration with Amsterdam. But they are movies that shoot in all directions. That is anarchic, but also fun. This past among the tales of scams and deceit that Russell serves up.
Amsterdam has a labyrinthine plot, which is for the most part difficult to follow. Burt Berendsen (Christian Bale) is a doctor who specializes in patching up World War I veterans, himself severely disfigured by that war. It is a film about wounded people, and a veiled indictment of war. Amsterdam, however, manifests itself as a comedy, with slapstick moments. A bizarre murder mystery about a murdered senator is the main storyline. The film takes all kinds of unexpected side paths, which makes it amusing and exhausting.
Berendsen forms a detective trio with ex-soldier Harold (John David Washington) and Valerie (Margot Robbie). Robert De Niro plays a general who can be manipulated by dark forces. Amsterdam was established in 1933, the emerging fascism is hardly suggested subtly. The film is based on true facts, based on American Hustle. Russell has a social consciousness, something that is strange for a Hollywood director. The wonderful combination of a kind of slapstick comedy and social indictment makes it curious.
The eminent cast is led by Bale, John David Washington, Robbie and De Niro. Taylor Swift, Michael Shannon, Chris Rock, Anya Taylor-Young and many more. We only miss Jennifer Lawrence who starred in three of Russell’s films. The director is known as a difficult person, but he always manages to elicit fantastic performances from his actors. Christian Bale, who also made three films with him, plays the strange Berendsen sublimely. His perverted drug addiction is measured. But his character needs to dampen excruciating pain.
In Silver Linings Playbook (2012), Russell portrays two characters (played by Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence), with serious problems. Their pain is also made tangible. As serious as the film is, there is irresistible humor in it. That says something about David O. Russell.
Amsterdam (Walt Disney) in cinemas from October 27.
Ulrik van Tongeren