Amsterdam, directed by David O. Russell and featuring talented actors such as Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington, fails to live up to expectations. As someone who thoroughly enjoyed Russell’s previous film, American Hustle, I had high hopes for Amsterdam.
However, upon closer examination, I began to question what drew me to American Hustle in the first place. Perhaps it was the initial excitement and buzz surrounding it, which may have influenced my perception. With this in mind, I approached Amsterdam with the intention of evaluating it objectively, disregarding the controversies surrounding Russell. Unfortunately, it became apparent early on that Amsterdam is a colossal mess that never manages to recover.
A Trio of Friends On a Quest
Amsterdam revolves around three World War I veterans: Dr. Bert Berendsen (portrayed by Christian Bale), nurse Valerie Voze (played by Margot Robbie), and lawyer Harold Woodsman (brought to life by John David Washington). In 1933, they find themselves embroiled in a murder case and are plunged into a much larger and more complex mystery than they could have imagined. Despite the film’s shortcomings, the performances of Bale, Robbie, and Washington manage to elevate the material. Each actor brings their characters to life, with Bale and Robbie portraying eccentric individuals, and Washington infusing the film with moments of comedic relief. Their genuine chemistry and captivating arcs make their characters worth rooting for.
Additionally, the production design and costume choices in Amsterdam are visually striking and transport the audience to the 1930s. The attention to detail in the outfits worn by the cast members adds a vibrant and authentic touch to the film’s setting.
A Marketing Misstep
One issue with Amsterdam lies in its misleading marketing. The trailers paint the film as a straightforward whodunit mystery, when in reality, it is more of a thriller mystery with elements of a traditional whodunit. This misrepresentation not only sets unrealistic expectations but also detracts from the overall experience.
The larger and more complex mystery that unfolds throughout Amsterdam is reminiscent of Russell’s previous film, American Hustle. Both films incorporate historical elements and share the “based on true events” feature. By blending genres and storylines, Amsterdam fails to deliver a cohesive narrative.
A Disjointed Narrative and Excessive Exposition
The mishmash of different elements in Amsterdam results in a disjointed narrative that fails to come together effectively. The constant barrage of expository dialogue given by celebrity cameos, such as Chris Rock’s character, disrupts the flow of the film. Rather than demonstrating crucial information through visuals and actions, Russell relies heavily on telling instead of showing. This approach not only diminishes the impact but also makes the viewing experience feel more like a lecture rather than an engaging film.
Although there are moments of humor scattered throughout the film, they fall short of providing true relief from the onslaught of exposition. While Bale, Robbie, and Washington do have their share of amusing moments, the standout comedic scene unexpectedly comes from Taylor Swift’s cameo as Elizabeth “Liz” Meekins. Swift’s attempts to salvage her limited screen time with a nothing character result in a sequence that unintentionally elicits laughter.
The Saving Grace: The Three Leads
Despite the film’s flaws, Amsterdam finds some redemption in its focus on the three leads. The individual arcs of Bert, Valerie, and Harold are more satisfying to watch than the resolution of the central mystery. Their chemistry and likability bring a sense of joy to their interactions on screen. The charming dynamic among the characters, combined with the tangled mystery, distinguishes Amsterdam from other films.
Failed Attempts at Depth
Amsterdam strives to have a profound message but ultimately falls short due to Russell’s handling of the script and direction. The film attempts to touch on various themes, leading to an overwhelming amount of exposition that obscures its intended impact. Rather than exploring these themes in a focused and nuanced manner, Amsterdam sacrifices depth for a historical lesson. Unfortunately, this comes at the expense of the plot’s momentum.
In the end, the resolution of the murder mystery in Amsterdam is disappointingly predictable. The clues to unraveling the mystery are evident, leaving little room for surprise. However, if one can appreciate the performances of Bale, Robbie, and Washington, along with the captivating production and costume design, there may still be something enjoyable to take from the film. Despite its missteps, Amsterdam falls short of being one of the worst films ever made.
Final Thoughts
David O. Russell’s direction struggles to find a cohesive vision, resulting in an underwhelming experience. Despite its flaws, the chemistry among the lead characters and the film’s visual appeal manage to salvage some aspects of Amsterdam. However, it ultimately falls short of being a memorable or impactful film.
FAQs
1. Is Amsterdam worth watching despite its flaws?
While Amsterdam has its shortcomings, fans of the lead actors may find some enjoyment in their performances. However, those seeking a cohesive and engaging mystery film may be disappointed.
2. What is the main issue with Amsterdam?
One of the main issues with Amsterdam lies in its misleading marketing, which sets unrealistic expectations for viewers. Additionally, the film suffers from a disjointed narrative and an excessive amount of expository dialogue, making it a challenging viewing experience.
3. Does Amsterdam offer any standout elements?
Amsterdam boasts visually striking production design and costume choices that effectively transport audiences to the 1930s setting. The chemistry among the lead actors is also a standout aspect, providing moments of joy and charm.
4. Does Amsterdam explore deeper themes?
While Amsterdam attempts to tackle various themes, it struggles to do so effectively. The film sacrifices depth for a history lesson, leading to an overwhelming amount of exposition that hinders the plot’s progression.
5. Is the resolution to the murder mystery satisfying?
The resolution to the murder mystery in Amsterdam is disappointingly predictable, leaving little room for surprise or satisfaction. The clues to solving the mystery are evident, which may diminish the overall impact for viewers.
Amsterdam Review
Summary
Amsterdam fails to live up to its potential as a compelling mystery film. The disjointed narrative and excessive exposition overshadow the enjoyable moments in Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington’s performances.
