Hustlin’ His Way to the Top: The Films of David O. Russell
It’s a very exciting time to be a film junkie. Gone are the days when a film’s art house appeal meant it had to be subtitled. Now we have our very own cadre of American filmmakers all jockeying for the spot of top dog. David Fincher, Darren Aronofsky, Quentin Tarantino, the Coen Brothers, and P.T. Anderson are all in contention for the title of our generation’s greatest director. However, there is a filmmaker that is quietly lobbying for a prime spot on that list, and some say he has already arrived – David O. Russell. His last two films, The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook garnered fifteen Oscar nominations total. American Hustle has already been making a splash on the awards circuit. The film was nominated for seven Golden Globe awards and early buzz for Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Adams has been deafening.
David O. Russell on the set of “The Fighter.”
Photo by JOJO WHILDEN – © 2010 Fighter, LLC.
All Rights Reserved.
All of the director’s films feature impressive ensemble casts. In fact, Russell has a knack for directing actors. Melissa Leo and Christian Bale won Best Supporting actress and actor awards for The Fighter. Silver Linings Playbook was the first film since 1981’s Reds to have a contender in each of the four acting categories. And how could we forget Jennifer Lawrence’s momentous trip (terrible pun intended) up the stairs accepting her Oscar for Playbook?
Russell also infuses his films with trademark quirkiness. However, his work never falls into farcical or unbelievable territory. He’s got a unique way of making the viewer fall deeply in love with his characters. Sometimes it’s because of the larger than life persona of the stars in the role, but mostly it’s due to the man’s ability to create hilariously flawed and deeply real people. The characters in Russell’s films are infused with a special brand of neuroses Woody Allen would be proud of. Also, the man writes his own material. With the exception of The Fighter, Russell has pulled double duty on all his films. And to be in the conversation with other important American filmmakers, this seems to be a necessity.
Before you check out American Hustle you should take a look through David O. Russell’s already impressive filmography. Here is a list of his narrative films and in what order you should watch them to fully appreciate the man and all his quirkiness.
1. Flirting With Disaster (1996)
This is Russell’s second feature, but most certainly the one you should watch first. Mel (Ben Stiller) leaves his overbearing adoptive parents to take an ill-fated trip to find his real mother. Téa Leoni is hilarious as the neurotic and under researched PhD student tagging along to video tape the reunion for a school project. As facts get jumbled and the trip becomes more complicated you will find yourself in hysterics by the colorful characters that tagalong with our protagonist on his journey. However, just when you thought you’d seen it all, enter Mary (Lily Tomlin) and Richard (Alan Alda). The two do a terrific job of playing the anti-Cleavers and Mary’s explanation of why she gave Mel up for adoption is worth the price of admission alone. Flirting with Disaster will give you a taste of Russell’s style of humor and keep you laughing on repeat viewings.
2. I Heart Huckabees (2004)
Be prepared to laugh, of course, but maybe do a little head scratching as well. This is a fun film, but it’s not exactly accessible. Albert (Jason Schwartzman) tracks down a pair of existential detectives to investigate a coincidence. He is paired with his “other,” Tommy (Mark Walhberg) as they bike around the city looking to make sense of life’s bigger picture. There’s also a quasi-evil corporation that has the market cornered on just about anything imaginable (it’s called the “everything store” actually). Huckabees has some great moments, especially one involving Tommy, Albert, and a large rubber ball. Russell allows his actors to get to places you may be surprised to see them go. It’s this movie with big existential and nihilistic ideals that cements Russell’s reputation for never playing it safe.
3. Spanking the Monkey (1994)
After having an understanding of what Russell is capable of, I suggest tackling his awkward and unsettling debut film. Ray (Jeremy Davies) is forced to miss an internship opportunity at MIT to nurse his mother back to health after she breaks her leg. Comedies don’t come much blacker or more uncomfortable than this understated tale of sexual frustration. Davies gives a lived-in and believable performance and you can almost feel his angst burn a hole through the screen. Be patient, the film takes a moment to get going, but once it hits its stride you won’t be able to look away or keep your mouth closed.
4. Three Kings (1999)
Quite possibly the most responsible anti-war film ever made. Archie (George Clooney) gives a monologue informing the characters of the devastating effects a bullet has on a victim. Also, it’s got a whole lot of heart. How do you turn a heist flick into a morality tale? It’s simple. Round up three antiheroes who find out there is something better than a trunkful of Kuwaiti bouillon: being stand up men who will go to some very dangerous lengths to ensure the safety of Iraqi refugees. The film has some hilarious touches, especially one involving a reporter Archie sends on a wild goose chase through Iraq. However, as the soldiers trek on, the loose, fun tone is derailed and Three Kings turns into a white-knuckle affair. If you haven’t already seen it, I suggest you watch one of the more underrated films of the 1990s.
5. The Fighter (2010)
Russell’s most serious work about the depths of drug addiction and the glory of redemption is a wonderful piece of filmmaking. Christian Bale is almost unrecognizable as a gaunt emaciated crack addict. Melissa Leo is fantastic as the fiery matriarch of the family and Amy Adams plays the tough as nails girlfriend with grit. But it’s Mark Walhberg that is most impressive. He navigates all these powerful performances with a minimalist approach that really shows the actor’s chops. His performance is about much more than physicality; it’s about the quiet power in every punch he throws. The boxing scenes are directed with sure and steady hands and the drama outside the ring is often times hilarious and presented with realist touches.
6. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Save this crowd pleasing screwball comedy and Russell’s best, for last. Pat (Bradley Cooper) has just been recently released from a Philadelphia State Mental Hospital on a mission: reunite with his ex-wife at any cost. However, his parents have different plans. They want Pat to put the past behind him and find a girl that will respect him. Enter Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), an unstable widow and everything Pat’s parents are afraid of. Lawrence’s performance is a thing of beauty. It would have been easy for the actress to play Tiffany as over the top, but Lawrence grounds her with a fiery confidence and a confrontational energy that’s a marvel to watch. Silver Linings Playbook is a love story for the mentally unstable, but Russell attempts to take the stigma from this kind of relationship and succeeds brilliantly. It is true that fans of the romantic comedy genre may not be surprised at how the film turns out. However, Russell executes every familiar plot point with such top-notch mastery that you will watch (and probably laugh and cry) and know where the film is taking you while not caring one bit.
Matt Santia
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