David O. Russell: American Hustle

SPOILER ALERT (during this interview, Elvis and David talk about scenes that may spoil the plot for those unfamiliar with the story)

After his 2004 film I Heart Huckabees, filmmaker David O. Russell lost his way as a storyteller. A six year hiatus followed, and Russell finally re-emerged with a triad of films that would define his career: The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook and his latest film, American Hustle. In this interview with Elvis Mitchell, recorded live as part of the Film Independent at LACMA screening series (which Elvis curates), Russell talks about discovering themes that have become the core of his later work: music, powerhouse characters for women, and romance among them. Plus, he talks about working with his incredible cast, including Christian Bale's remarkable transformation "from Batman to Fatman."

Banner image courtesy of Film Independent