The highly anticipated movie David O. Russell is making with Bradley Cooper, Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Louis C.K. and Robert De Niro has an official title: "American Hustle." The film was originally called "American Bullshit" before switching to the more socially acceptable nomenclature "Untitled David O. Russell Project."
"American Hustle" is based on the ABSCAM sting operation that took place on Long Island during the late 1970s and early 1980s. From the official press release announcing the film last year:
The Untitled David O. Russell Project is based on the true story of a notorious financial con artist (Bale) and his mistress/partner in crime (Adams), who were forced to work with an out of control federal agent (Cooper) to turn the tables on other con artists, mobsters, and politicians. At the epicenter of the entire tale, is the passionate and volatile leader of the New Jersey state assembly (Renner) who is also the local hero and mayor of impoverished Camden.
Russell last directed Cooper and Lawrence in "Silver Lining Playbook," which earned Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Director (Russell), Best Adapted Screenplay (also Russell), Best Actor (Cooper) and Best Supporting Actor (De Niro) among others. Lawrence won Best Actress for her role in that film, but she plays a smaller part in "American Hustle." Russell frequently works with the same actors: he also made "The Fighter" with Bale and Adams.
"American Hustle" is filming in Massachusetts, but it wasn't affected by the tragic bombing at the Boston Marathon on April 15. The production was shooting in Worcester, Mass. on Monday, which the Hollywood Reporter notes is 46 miles away from Boston.
For more on the production of "American Hustle," head over to THR.
[via Indiewire/The Playlist]