There seems to be two sides to this David O. Russell. On the one hand, there’s a celebrated director who produces films that are fun and lively, but with depth and substance, challenging societal stigmas surrounding mental health, female autonomy, love and family. Originality has earned this Russell and his films several Oscar nominations and wins, and some might even say he is a film pioneer.
On the other hand, the New Yorker’s name is often shrouded in a cloud of controversy. From allegations of assault from several actors (including Amy Adams and Lily Tomlin) and who allegedly had Christopher Nolan in a grip, to reports of sexual assault, with the director himself confirming that he had touched his own niece inappropriately. It is reasonable to assume that the American crowds director is a difficult man to work with (just ask George Clooney) and whose methods on set are not only challenging, but also cross-border.
Aside from his perceived personal flaws, Russell has written and directed some truly outstanding films. Even though his most recent movie is Amsterdam has received mixed to negative reviews, we thought we’d check out some of Russell’s best and try to clarify a few things.
6/6 Amsterdam
Amsterdam is David O. Russell’s latest release and, yes, it’s seriously panned. Maybe that’s partly because of the immense hype behind it Amsterdam — the director’s first film in seven years, with a great cast and highly anticipated build, the film failed to live up to expectations and proved somewhat divisive (and mostly disliked) among critics. The film itself is a confusing jigsaw puzzle that skips back and forth in time.
It tells the story of two World War I army vets, Burt Berendsen (Christian Bale) and Harold (John David Washington), who through various misadventures find themselves and their partner Valerie (Margot Robbie) suspects in the middle of a double murder investigation.
The three go on to expose the perpetrators and the right-wing ideals they hope to bring into American politics.
Russell brought in a massive cast of newcomers to his process (Chris Rock, Anya Taylor-Joy, Michael Shannon, Zoe Saldana, Mike Myers, Timothy Olyphant, Taylor Swift, Rami Malek and more) along with usual Russell recruits Bale and Robert De Niro, who have all put up dazzling displays. The huge (and wildly talented) cast, along with great attention to detail with its beautiful set design and costumes, certainly helps restore some semblance of logic to a complicated screenplay. Even if the viewer is confused or lost while watching the movie, Amsterdam is still a visual delight and a great showcase for some of today’s best actors.
5/6 hitting the monkey
In his 1994 directorial debut hitting the monkey, David O. Russell delivers arguably his most controversial screenplay yet. The film is about the story of a forbidden love, an incestuous relationship between a mother and son. Outside of a great movie (Louis Malle’s murmur of the heart), Russell confronts a topic that is only really covered in those semi-dirty low-budget 90s porn movies.
With his father out of town on business, medical student Ray (Jeremy Davies) is forced to forgo an exciting internship because his mother breaks her leg. Over the summer, Ray and his mother Susan (Alberta Watson) grow closer until the unthinkable happens. An extremely awkward and provocative comedy, hitting the monkey announced Russell as an important new voice.
4/6 Three kings
Three kings so ran the will of Jarhead and End of watch could run. The 1999 action-packed war film spawned the grainy, handheld docufilm style seen in so many war and police films. After the end of the Gulf War, American troops prepare to go home, but when they discover that they are literally sitting on a gold mine (in the form of a gold cache just a few miles from their military base), the soldiers decide to upcoming departing mission and set their sights on a ton of gold.
George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg and Ice Cube star in this action movie that is fully aware of how the US military around the world can be seen as a lawless, brash and overly powerful body, but also understands the realities of modern warfare, the consequences of it for overseas communities and what the boredom of waiting can do in a highly charged (highly armed) military environment. Three kings combines action and comedy to great effect, and with its very sharp script and charming performances, it’s up there as one of Russell’s very best.
3/6 Silver Linings Playbook
Silver Linings Playbook isn’t your typical rom-com; instead, it’s a movie where the characters are both realistically flawed and broken, and Russell throws you through the emotional ringer before really letting you enjoy the ultimate feel-goodness of what you’re watching.
Starring Bradley Cooper, Russell’s new muse Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro, the film is a story of love and compassion through personal hardship. mission to get his estranged wife back. During the trial, he meets Tiffany (Lawrence), who offers to help him in his quest in exchange for partnering with her at a local dance competition.
2/6 The fighter
Following the inspiring true story of Micky Ward (Mark Wahlberg), a journeyman boxer from a disadvantaged neighborhood in Lowell, Massachusetts, The fighter details Ward’s struggle to distance himself from the shadow of his older brother, Dickie Ecklund (Christian Bale), who, after being a highly regarded boxer himself, finds himself in a life of substance abuse and petty crime.
The film continues Ward’s ascent to the top against the odds, and the synergy between Wahlberg and Bale keeps the film ticking effortlessly. The fighter is a classic case of a zero-to-hero sports movie and boasts of the sentiment of hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
1/6 American crowds
Hairspray, brown flares, ultra-suede, cashmere, mini skirts, gold-rimmed aviators and open-button shirts with huge collars – David O Russell’s American crowds mastered 1970s iconography better than most recent films. It is a film that is daring, brash and statement-making. Two con men Irv (Christian Bale) and Sydney (Amy Adams) are played to work for an undercover FBI agent in exchange for a reprieve for their fraudulent misdeeds. A mix of romance, crime and drama, American Hustle possesses this spunk and garishness that makes it not only an extremely entertaining watch, but also an aesthetic masterpiece.