Screenings are just beginning to roll out for David O. Russell's American Hustle, and it remains one of the season's biggest mysteries. Fortunately the curtain is being lifted ever so slightly with a steady stream of clips, suggesting this is going to be one snazzy, star-studded retro crime caper, with probably a better than average shot of scoring some Oscar gold. At least it has a pretty good shot at winning in the acting categories with a cast of Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner, and Bradley Cooper running things. But how about the soundtrack? Any possibility for a win there?
The latest clip gives us a taste of the jazzy 1970s-80s score that will be backing the film, as well as how important music is in the lives of the film's two lead characters. In this scene, Bale's con man is instantly drawn to Adams, who would later go on to become his mistress and partner-in-crime. They bond over the recent passing of jazz legend Duke Ellington (so this would have to be 1974?), and their love of "Jeep's Blues", from his famous live album Ellington at Newport. Pretty sweet clip, and that tune in the background is Chicago's "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?". Not a particular favorite of mine but it works here.
American Hustle hits theaters on December 18th.
