Christian Bale and Amy Adams’ Retro Crime Drama Revives on Streaming
David O. Russell’s critically acclaimed film, American Hustle, continues to make waves on streaming platforms. This 1970s crime drama has seen a resurgence in popularity since becoming available on Paramount+.
Streaming Success
As of December 10, 2023, American Hustle ranks third in Paramount+’s weekly top 10 list in the United States. This follows its transition from Pluto TV, where it was originally available. The film debuted on Paramount+ on August 1, 2023, shortly before its current streaming success.
Box Office and Awards
Released in 2013, American Hustle quickly became a box-office hit, grossing approximately $250 million worldwide. This impressive figure is about six times its $40 million production budget. The film received significant recognition, including:
- Three Golden Globe Awards
- Ten Academy Award nominations
Holding a 92 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, American Hustle showcases a stellar cast that includes Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, and Bradley Cooper. Critics have lauded the film, with some describing its ensemble as “[One] of the Greatest Casts of the 21st Century,” according to CBR’s Ben Morganti.
Behind-the-Scenes Experiences
Despite its acclaim, the filming experience for some cast members was challenging. In a 2016 interview, Amy Adams disclosed that she often felt emotionally drained on set due to Russell’s demanding direction. She stated, “I was really just devastated on set.” Conversely, Jennifer Lawrence reported a more resilient response to Russell’s direct approach, finding it beneficial for her performance.
Lawrence noted, “If he didn’t like something, he was just like: ‘That was terrible. Looked like s*. Do it better.’” While she had a different experience, Lawrence acknowledged that Russell might have been harder on Adams, emphasizing the varying impacts of their interactions with the director.
Availability
Currently, American Hustle can be streamed exclusively on Paramount+. This resurgence in viewership highlights the film’s lasting appeal and relevance in modern cinema.
