The film American Hustle concludes with Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), now operating under their real names, running a successful art gallery, having successfully navigated the complex web of deception and corruption they found themselves entangled in. Meanwhile, Mayor Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner) is ultimately convicted, though his intentions were arguably noble, a tragic consequence of his naivete and desire to revitalize his community.
The Final Act: Lies Unraveled and Justice Served (Sort Of)
The intricate plot of American Hustle pivots on the Abscam operation, a real-life FBI sting targeting corrupt public officials. Throughout the movie, Irving and Sydney, two con artists pressed into service by FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper), work to implicate Mayor Polito, among others. The final act sees their plan reach its climax, with a dramatic showdown that leaves no one unscathed.
The central tension revolves around whether Irving and Sydney will successfully ensnare Polito and secure their own freedom, or whether their elaborate con will fall apart, leading to imprisonment or worse. DiMaso’s increasingly reckless behavior and romantic obsession with Sydney further complicate matters, adding layers of unpredictability to the already precarious situation.
Ultimately, the ending reveals that Irving, demonstrating a surprising degree of loyalty and a lingering affection for Polito, subtly manipulates the situation to ensure the mayor receives a lighter sentence. While Polito is convicted and sentenced to jail, his sentence is reduced due to Irving’s testimony and the overall questionable ethics of the Abscam operation itself.
Irving and Sydney, now free from FBI control and operating under their real identities, walk away with a portion of the confiscated funds and a fresh start. The final scene shows them in their art gallery, still engaging in a degree of shady dealing, suggesting that despite everything, they remain, at their core, con artists. The final moments emphasize the ambiguity of morality, hinting that even in “justice,” deception can play a significant role.
Frequently Asked Questions About American Hustle’s Ending
Here are some frequently asked questions that help provide deeper context to the conclusion of American Hustle:
H3 What Happens to Richie DiMaso?
Richie DiMaso, driven by ambition and infatuation, is arguably the biggest loser at the end of American Hustle. Despite his initial successes in the Abscam operation, his unpredictable behavior and disregard for procedure ultimately lead to his downfall. He doesn’t get the recognition or reward he craved, and his romantic pursuits are unsuccessful. He’s left feeling betrayed and used, a victim of his own recklessness. He remains at the FBI.
H3 Does Carmine Polito Actually Benefit From Irving’s Intervention?
While Carmine Polito is still convicted, Irving’s actions likely contribute to a shorter sentence. Irving subtly provides testimony that softens Polito’s culpability, emphasizing his good intentions for his community. The ambiguity surrounding the FBI’s methods and the questionable legality of some of their tactics, exposed during the trial, also work in Polito’s favor.
H3 What is the Significance of Irving and Sydney’s Art Gallery?
The art gallery serves as a symbol of their ongoing con artistry and their ability to adapt and thrive. It represents a legitimate business, but also hints at the potential for continued fraudulent activity. They’ve traded one form of deception (fake loans) for another (potentially inflated art values or outright forgeries), suggesting that their fundamental nature remains unchanged.
H3 How Does the Ending Affect Rosalyn, Irving’s Wife?
Rosalyn Rosenfeld (Jennifer Lawrence), Irving’s erratic and manipulative wife, fades into the background in the final act. She’s mostly out of the picture and seems content to live her life independently, perhaps with her new investor/boyfriend. This ending reinforces the idea that she and Irving were never truly meant to be together, and both are better off apart, even if their paths were chaotic and unconventional. The last mention we hear of her is that she’s moved in with “Pete” (the mafia financier/investor) and he bought her a “Silent Butler” appliance.
H3 Is the Ending a True Reflection of the Real Abscam Scandal?
While American Hustle is inspired by the Abscam operation, the film takes significant liberties with the historical events. The relationships between the characters, their motivations, and the specific details of the con are all fictionalized to varying degrees for dramatic effect. The film is “a fiction inspired by some facts” according to the opening screen.
H3 What’s the Meaning of the Ending’s Ambiguity?
The ambiguous ending is crucial to the film’s thematic exploration of morality and deception. It raises questions about the effectiveness of justice, the nature of truth, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. It suggests that even those who seemingly “win” may still be compromised by their own choices and actions. The ending forces the audience to consider the consequences of both individual actions and systemic corruption.
H3 Why Does Sydney/Edith Choose to Stay With Irving?
Sydney’s choice to remain with Irving, even after having the opportunity to leave and start fresh on her own, speaks to the complex nature of their relationship. Despite the lies and betrayals, they share a deep connection based on mutual understanding and a shared history of survival. They are both outsiders who found solace and partnership in each other. It also likely has to do with Sydney/Edith’s realization that her true identity is, indeed, Sydney Prosser, a con artist.
H3 Does the Film Suggest That Anyone Truly “Wins” in the End?
No, the film doesn’t present a clear-cut victory for anyone. While Irving and Sydney escape prosecution and gain financial freedom, they do so by betraying others and compromising their own morals. Carmine Polito suffers a devastating loss, despite his genuine desire to help his community. Richie DiMaso’s ambition leads to his disappointment. The ending emphasizes the destructive consequences of greed, ambition, and unchecked power, suggesting that everyone involved ultimately pays a price.
H3 What Role Does Music Play in the Ending?
The music in American Hustle, particularly during the final scenes, underscores the nostalgic and bittersweet tone of the ending. It evokes a sense of melancholy and reflection, highlighting the complexities of the characters and their choices. It also contributes to the film’s overall atmosphere of 1970s cool and moral ambiguity.
H3 Why is the Film Titled “American Hustle”?
The title refers to the various forms of deception and manipulation that are employed by the characters throughout the film. It highlights the idea that everyone is hustling in some way, whether it’s Irving and Sydney conning people out of their money, Richie DiMaso climbing the FBI ladder, or Carmine Polito trying to secure funds for his city. The “American Hustle” is the pursuit of the American Dream, often by any means necessary.
H3 Is There a Sequel to American Hustle Planned?
Currently, there are no concrete plans for a sequel to American Hustle. While the film was a critical and commercial success, director David O. Russell has not expressed any intention of revisiting the characters or the world of the movie. The ending, with its inherent ambiguity, feels like a natural conclusion to the story.
H3 What is the Overall Theme of American Hustle?
The overarching theme of American Hustle centers around the blurred lines between truth and deception, the corrupting influence of power, and the complex nature of human relationships. The film explores the idea that even those who appear to be morally upright can be compromised by their own desires and ambitions. It ultimately asks the audience to consider the price of success and the ethical implications of their choices. The American Dream is presented as a mirage, attainable only through compromise and deception.