The cast of “Amsterdam,” David O. Russell’s latest film, is impressive.
David O. Russell Ignores the Haters
Featuring talents including Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Rami Malek, Robert De Niro, Mike Myers, Taylor Swift and Chris Rock, it’s an amazing ensemble. Some have worked with the director before on films such as American Hustle, Silver Linings Playbook, Joy, The Fighter and Three Kings.
So far, so good. But the majority of news stories surrounding Russell’s first release in seven years suggest he’s a piece of shit. When I say news stories, I mean blogs and extended social media posts. But there are a lot of them, and many have swear words in their titles.
The main reason for the vitriol is that Russell has been on the verge of being canceled for a number of years, and there’s a groundswell of opinion on the internet insisting it’s time the agenda was pushed harder.
In 2011, Russell’s transgender niece, then 19, filed a complaint in Florida, claiming the Hollywood hotshot had sexually assaulted her. According to a police report, the moviemaker admitted he’d touched her breasts after claiming she’d allowed him to do so while they were doing ab exercises at the gym. He supposedly did so out of curiosity about her enhanced figure. The case was closed without any charges being brought against Russell.
Such a move was foolish to say the very least, especially for a director known for his genius/madness approach to filmmaking and his volatile emotions. He has clashed on set with Lily Tomlin and George Clooney among others. He’s also infamous for allegedly putting fellow director Christopher Nolan in a headlock at a Hollywood party.
Meanwhile, Russell has continued his work raising money and awareness for mental health advocacy, a cause close to his heart. He beautifully expressed his sentiments toward those dealing with mental illness struggles in Silver Linings Playbook, which is about a bipolar man returning to his family after spending time in a mental institution.
But seven years without making a movie, after creating four outstanding features in five years between 2010 and 2015, suggests a deeper behind-the-scenes story.
However, Amsterdam — a murder-mystery comedy set in the ’30s — is slated for release in November and has a slightly quirky Wes Anderson feel about it.
One of the news stories currently making the rounds asks a very valid question: Why are all these top actors choosing to work with Russell? And for reasons other than were intended, that’s probably a great question to examine. Bale and De Niro aren’t short of work and are great judges of character, and they’re happy to be involved. Swift and Robbie are strong women who aren’t afraid to voice their opinions, and they’re taking part. In the current environment, isn’t it telling these high-profile actors haven’t shunned Russell?
The cast is diverse, experienced, and intelligent, and many have worked with Russell before — and certainly worked with him after — the 2011 controversy. They know him well.
While disgruntled articles continue to swirl, it may be better to look at those closer to the story with no reason to defend Russell in particular — other than that they enjoy working with the creative genius.
How the film performs will be interesting, and how the mainstream media will treat it remains to be seen. I don’t know if Russell is a piece of shit, but those close to him seem to think he’s OK, so I’m looking forward to Amsterdam.
Around here, of course, we have the benefit of seeing how things turned out before we have to publish. (Digital beats the old-school ink-on-paper approach for many reasons, but this qualifies as a major one, certainly.) … As it turned out, Rolling Stone loved the show if for no other reason than the lengthy and stellar cast list. … Overall, they seem to be in the minority, though — although in fairness criticisms seem to focus almost singularly on the director, Russell, being apparently a truly horrible human being. We don’t need to go into any of that, however, as we can simply point out that Amsterdam made in the neighborhood of $10 million globally across its weekend debut, and it cost over $80 million to make.* It could be that potential audience members care more about the director’s character than do the actors being paid to hang around with him. Go figure.
