American Hustle is based on a script by Eric Warren Singer (Splinter Cell), which made the Hollywood Black List of best un-produced screenplays, and dramatizes the true story of ABSCAM: an FBI sting operation in the late 1970s and ’80s – set up by a notorious con artist (played by Christian Bale) and his mistress/partner in crime (Amy Adams) – which resulted in several prominent members of Congress being exposed for their corrupt and illicit activities.
Bale and Adams aren’t the only returning players from previous Russell movies, as the cast also includes the Silver Linings Playbook trio of Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro and Lawrence in a small role. Meanwhile, the accomplished supporting cast for Russell’s take on 20th century American history includes Jeremy Renner (The Bourne Legacy), Michael Peña (End of Watch), Louis C.K. (Louie), Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire) and Dawn Olivieri (House of Lies).