Amsterdam

 

Score:  A-

Directed by David O. Russell

Starring Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Robert de Niro, et al

Running time: 134 minutes

Rated R

Long Story Short:  Amsterdam is the latest film from lauded director David O. Russell, a wartime dramedy murder mystery (yes, all those things).  The three main stars, Bale, Robbie, and Washington, carry it with spectacular performances, and there all lots of fun side parts.  The script isn't perfect, but Russell gets the drama-comedy balance just right to create both an entertaining and touching experience.  Highly recommended.

During World War I, Army medic Burt Berendsen (Bale) makes a pact of protection with Black soldier Harold Woodsman (Washington) and, with the help of nurse Valerie Voze (Robbie), the pair survive the horrific conflict.  The newly-formed trio goes on to enjoy a well-earned European holiday, but their past lives soon pull them apart.  Fifteen years later, Burt is called on to perform an autopsy on an old comrade, thanks to suspected foul play.  Harold accompanies his old friend on the adventure and the two are forced to confront history - both personal and global - as they discover a whole new world.

Amsterdam is a very good work of historical fiction; while it can be a little rough around the edges, its strengths and overall tone more than compensate.  I was expecting a considerably different film from its director, David O. Russell, whose movies like The Fighter and American Hustle I enjoyed a lot but had much different tone and style.  Amsterdam is a dramedy, like Silver Linings Playbook in that sense, which might seem unusual for a wartime murder mystery plot.  However, it makes for a good balance: serious enough for some of the themes involved, but not depressing; plenty of chuckles, but not a parody.  The plot itself, and I don't want to give away many more details, is fairly involved, but the dialogue - and there is near-constant talking - explains it all and prevents confusion, if you're paying attention.  I will admit that the script is uneven in quality, sometimes a bit too direct or just awkward.  A little more editing could have helped, as this feels more like a two-hour movie.

The main strength of the movie are the characters and their bonds, though, and the warmth and even uplift they provide makes up for any other weaknesses.  The three main characters, who meet during WWI, provide a strong foundation, and the movie is at its best when they're all together, from bonding in Europe right after the war to the more strained - at first - reunion in the 1930s.  Christian Bale, the main main lead, is the standout.  Bale is probably my favorite contemporary actor and he proves his skill here yet again, creating a memorable personality that is gruff yet quirky, independent yet altruistic, and overall just very likable and sympathetic.  Robbie is great, too, in a surprisingly complex role, and Washington, although his part is not as juicy as the others.  The star-studded supporting cast also deserves recognition, especially Malek and Taylor-Joy's eccentric rich couple, Mike Myers' hilarious MI6 agent, and Robert de Niro, perfectly cast as an incorruptible Marine hero.  Speaking of which, Amsterdam does a great job, in my view, of honoring veterans, particularly those who are disabled, using that dramatic-comedic balance effectively.  Finally, the "extras" finish the job of creating the historical atmosphere via set design and costuming; and even more importantly, a great soundtrack (and poignant theme) is a perfect accompaniment for the characters and story.

***

I'd been looking forward to Amsterdam since seeing the trailer over the summer, and it was worth the wait.  What shocks me is the critical reception:  a terrible 33% score on Rotten Tomatoes.  I haven't read any specific reviews yet, mostly to not influence my own, but I'm very disappointed that they've disregarded it.  Don't listen to them!  Unfortunately, if you haven't seen it yet, you might not get the chance to see it in theaters now - but I highly recommend it for streaming when available.  As we move further into the fall, hopefully more high-quality dramas like this will make their way to theaters.  It's been a boring few months, one of my longest (non-pandemic-related) theater droughts.  I know I'll definitely be watching the Black Panther sequel in a few weeks, though.  For now, put this one on your list!

* By http://www.impawards.com/2022/posters/amsterdam_xxlg.jpg, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71241791