Packing his film with a bevy of familiar actors, David O. Russell delves into the past with his very heavy film Amsterdam. Somewhat political and messaging, the tongue in cheek comedy drama takes off with a lot of character build up that fills the many scenes leading up to the meat of the story. Much like his past films American Hustle and Silver Linings Playbook, he pushes the subject matter to an over two hour saga. That said, most moviegoers want their moneys’ worth yet sitting in the seats for Amsterdam adds a lot of squirm and crossed arms waiting for the excitement to happen.
Military war survivor from WWI Burt Berendsen (Christian Bale) and his buddy Harold Woodman (John David Washington) ended their service term as wounded warriors. Burt lost an eye and Harold suffered wounds to his body. In sick bay they talked about their future that included Valerie Voze (Margot Robbie) who helped the two heroes as a nurse tending them through hard times.
Following the war Burt, Harold and Valerie found themselves in Amsterdam where they recouped and became close friends. However, during their stay Burt and Harold get accused of murder setting up a harrowing run from the police. Director and writer David O. Russell works the story into a frenzy while the two men dig for information that will clear themselves. When they get information that could affect America, they reach out to their former commander Genera Gil Dillenbeck (Robert De Niro).
While the film does have a lot of excellent visual scenes that bring the early 1900’s into focus, it’s not enough to create a compelling atmosphere to keep the film from being over stacked with dialogue, side stories and a lot of contrived mystery. I rarely suggest trailers for films, but I recommend you watch this trailer before attending the movie as you’ll know early on more about the main characters. I enjoyed that “mini ad film” more than the heavy handed 2 hour and 14 minute movie.
Amsterdam has been rated R by the MPAA for brief violence and bloody images. It also contains some drug use and a cadaver autopsy. The film is targeted at the older folks as they were most affected by the happenings of the actual real events the film portrays. However, if you would just like to get entertained by many of your favorite actors dressed in their gorgeous gowns, high society formal wear, down to the costumes that pretty much depicted the war garb and the goofball jokes that include a constant “popping out” of Burt Berendsen’s false eye, then this move has it all.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Alessandro Nivola, Andrea Riseborough, Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Rock, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Shannon, Mike Myers, Taylor Swift, Timothy Olyphant, Zoe Saldaña, Rami Malek and Robert De Niro.
Directed By: David O. Russell
Genre: Comedy Drama, History
MPAA Rating: R for brief violence and bloody images
Running Time: 2 hrs. 14 min.
Opening Date: October 7, 2022
Distributed by: 20th Century Studios
Released in: Theaters
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
