Amsterdam

Though–as I write–it is yet to be released, Amsterdam seems to be full of promise. It is written and directed by David O. Russell, acclaimed filmmaker behind Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle. Like the latter, it is another caper through a historic US setting. And, with stars like John David Washington, Margot Robbie and Christian Bale heading up a stacked cast, there are sure to be fireworks on the screen.

Set in the 1930s, but perhaps not with an eye for Depression-era realism, O. Russell has concocted a wild mystery plot, concerning a group of three friends who witness a murder and then find themselves on the run as suspects. With sharp-eyed Emmanuel Lubezki behind the camera, the soft pastel light of each interior scene looks handsome to behold. Plus, the trailer promises offbeat humour by declaring that “a lot of this actually happened”; when such talented comic actors are popping up in a range of supporting roles, there is surely irreverent fun to be had.

Max King