Adrenalin-driven tale of unconventional characters

DAVID O Russell is an American director whose films are notable for their fully-formed characters, compelling dialogue and free-flowing narratives. American Hustle, populated by familiar faces from his last two movies, is no exception.

Russell's latest is a frantic, funny, quirkily intense and well-observed study of a bottom-feeding confidence man who takes on a bit more than he can handle.

Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) has a tragi- comic air about him, thanks in part to an elaborately messy and absolutely appalling comb- over that dominates his appearance. The lack of taste extends to his choice in clothes but when it comes to the art of the con, Irving is all hustle.