David O. Russell

Theories of French sociologist, philosopher and cultural theorist, Jean Baudrillard, regarding philosophy of the cinema and what constitutes the nature of reality, has been widely influential in cinematic studies in recent years. In his works, Baudrillard has referred to a number of films to investigate some of his key concepts concerning the nature of reality. He believes that cinema is a medium of dream and illusion. But, in the present era what we see on screen is "hyperreality". Coined by Baudrillard, hyperreality is a situation in which the simulated reality is no longer distinguishable from the reality. In other words, by creating an exact copy or, in Baudrillardian terms, a simulacrum which possesses no originality, simulation replaces the profound reality to the extent that the real is not recognizable.
    American Hustle (2013) is a movie directed by David O. Russell about a group of con artists who unwantedly involve in an FBI operation to entrap criminals and politicians. Throughout the movie the notion of Baudrillardian hyperreality is at work. This paper is an attempt to trace the hyperreality and reversibility in Russell's movie. The Study begins with a brief introduction of America in Baudrillard's view as well as an introductory synopsis of the movie. Then, it goes on further by probing the hyperrealistic aspects of American Hustle and finally, it presents a short survey on what constitutes the good cinema.