David O. Russell’s All-Star Mystery Runs Long



David O. Russell’s All-Star Mystery Runs Long

David O. Russell and Christian Bale are back in another period film with the requisite wacky characters. Amsterdam convolutes a murder mystery, forbidden love story, and fascist attempted coup in 1930s New York. The film crafts a fictional tale around an actual event, the Wall Street Putsch, that created a political firestorm. Russell depicts an America chafing from racial oppression and class divisions with an artistic touch. He gets humor and creativity points but fails dramatically at pacing. Amsterdam’s long runtime drips like molasses going backwards. Energetic high points are cratered by pointless scenes that could have easily been cut.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

Bale stars as Burt Berendsen, a World War I veteran and doctor who treats his wounded comrades. Burt has a glass eye, wears a back brace, and covers his shrapnel scars with prosthetics. His uptown office helps the horrifically disfigured and suffering with pain alleviation. Burt tests all his new pills and concoctions on himself for safety.

John David Washington co-stars as Harold Woodsman, a lawyer, Burt’s best friend, and another injured veteran. A first act flashback reveals Burt taking over a company of black soldiers during the war. He enlisted to impress his wife, Beatrice Vandenheuvel (Andrea Riseborough), and her snobby Park Avenue parents. Burt and Harold were treated by an intriguing nurse in France. Valerie (Margot Robbie) kept the shrapnel and bullets from her patients’ bodies to make art. She and Harold fell madly in love. All three spent their initial post-war years partying in swinging Amsterdam.

A decade later in New York City, Burt and Harold are contacted by Elizabeth Meekins (Taylor Swift). The daughter of the recently deceased Bill Meekins (Ed Begley Jr.), their beloved general, thinks foul play was involved. Burt and Harold’s investigation soon has them linked to another murder. A clue leads to Valerie, who enigmatically dumped Harold in Amsterdam, and her wealthy relatives (Rami Malek, Anya Taylor-Joy). A sinister conspiracy brews with powerful insiders; who want the support of a revered war hero (Robert De Niro).

Related: Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon Review: Graphic Thriller Leaves Many Questions Unanswered

A Complex Plot With Many Moving Parts

There’s a lot going on here. Russell (Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle) has a complex plot with many moving parts. He has an affinity for eccentric characters and gives them time to shine. Russell favors individual performances over his narrative. Burt, Harold, and Valerie are an odd, idiosyncratic bunch. Their peculiar mannerisms and behavior are explored to a fault. They garner laughs but suck the air out of the story.

Valerie’s artwork, though fascinating, also gobbles up an inordinate amount of time. Her paintings, photography, and shrapnel tea pots are a focus. Robbie takes the place of Jennifer Lawrence, Russell’s usual muse was pregnant while filming. The interracial romance between Harold and Valerie stands out. Washington and Robbie have great screen chemistry. It would have been nice to see them in quieter moments. They have an unspoken tenderness that’s drowned out by flare.

Amsterdam mirrors the current heated political discourse. The film shows how moneyed elites use subterfuge to pit the working class against each other. There’s little difference between races where poverty is concerned. Demagogues rise under false pretense. A great scene between black veterans and Brownshirts about true American patriotism speaks volumes today. Russell delivers meaning but throws too much paint on the wall. The final product is abstract and tiring. An older woman sitting in front of me snored through the entire second act.

Amsterdam is a production of Regency Enterprises, New Regency, DreamCrew, Keep Your Head, and Corazon Hayagriva. It will have a theatrical release on October 7th from 20th Century Studios.

You can view the original article HERE.

Justin Bieber Posts Cryptic Message Amid Fan Speculation About Health
Justin Bieber Posts Cryptic Message Amid Fan Speculation About Health
Diddy 2010 New Year’s Eve Party Tape Resurfaces, With Major Celebs Attending
Diddy 2010 New Year’s Eve Party Tape Resurfaces, With Major Celebs Attending
Tina Knowles Says She Won’t Date Anyone Younger Than Her
Tina Knowles Says She Won’t Date Anyone Younger Than Her
Woah Vicky Hot Shots to Kick Off Her 25th Birthday!
Woah Vicky Hot Shots to Kick Off Her 25th Birthday!
Everything We Know About ‘Tulsa King’ Season 3
Everything We Know About ‘Tulsa King’ Season 3
Women Writers Week 2025: Table of Contents | Features
Women Writers Week 2025: Table of Contents | Features
Demi Moore’s 1996 Box Office Bomb ‘Striptease’ is Finding New Life on Max
Demi Moore’s 1996 Box Office Bomb ‘Striptease’ is Finding New Life on Max
10 Upcoming Movies Based on New York Times Best Sellers
10 Upcoming Movies Based on New York Times Best Sellers
Is Foggy actually dead in Daredevil: Born Again?
Is Foggy actually dead in Daredevil: Born Again?
I never forgot what he stood for
I never forgot what he stood for
Dolly Parton Song ‘If You Hadn’t Been There’ Honors Late Husband
Dolly Parton Song ‘If You Hadn’t Been There’ Honors Late Husband
Chicago ghetto house pioneer DJ Funk has died
Chicago ghetto house pioneer DJ Funk has died
Report: Seahawks trade Geno Smith to Raiders
Report: Seahawks trade Geno Smith to Raiders
VFB Stuttgart vs Bayer Leverkusen preview, team news, tickets, and prediction
VFB Stuttgart vs Bayer Leverkusen preview, team news, tickets, and prediction
Cristiano Ronaldo Trolls Wannabe, ‘You’re Very Ugly!’
Cristiano Ronaldo Trolls Wannabe, ‘You’re Very Ugly!’
Chargers release Bosa after 9 seasons
Chargers release Bosa after 9 seasons
10 TV Spin-offs That Completely Missed the Mark
10 TV Spin-offs That Completely Missed the Mark
Tim Burton’s ‘Mars Attacks’ Is Getting a Video Game and Your Help Is Needed
Tim Burton’s ‘Mars Attacks’ Is Getting a Video Game and Your Help Is Needed
2024-25 Freshman Series Status Update: Shifting Gears, Matlock, and More
2024-25 Freshman Series Status Update: Shifting Gears, Matlock, and More
Who Killed Lottie in ‘Yellowjackets’? All the Clues, Explained
Who Killed Lottie in ‘Yellowjackets’? All the Clues, Explained
The Best Cameltoe-Proof Thong Changed the Game for Me
The Best Cameltoe-Proof Thong Changed the Game for Me
NYFW STYLE DIARY: The Pitman Sisters Bring Bold Elegance to New York Fashion Week
NYFW STYLE DIARY: The Pitman Sisters Bring Bold Elegance to New York Fashion Week
Magda Butrym & H&M’s Collab Is Here in Time for Spring
Magda Butrym & H&M’s Collab Is Here in Time for Spring
Excuse My Grandma: Kim Murstein’s Rise as a Media Powerhouse in 2025
Excuse My Grandma: Kim Murstein’s Rise as a Media Powerhouse in 2025