Introduction
In exploring the vast tapestry of American cinema, few films offer starkly contrasting yet deeply insightful perspectives on American identity and experience, such as “American Hustle” (2013) and “Booksmart” (2019). At first look, those movies seem to inhabit completely different realms of the American psyche: “American Hustle,” directed by David O. Russell, delves into the complex world of con artists and corrupt officers in the late 1970s, portray an image of a society driven by ambition, deception, and the relentless pursuit of the American Dream. On the other hand, Olivia Wilde’s “Booksmart” provides a contemporary coming-of-age tale that navigates the nuanced, demanding situations and comedic escapades of two high school girls on the verge of graduation. Though disparate in their settings and characters, these movies converge in their exploration of the multifaceted nature of American life. They encapsulate numerous factors of the American experience, from pursuing fulfillment at any cost to academic and social success pressures. This essay proposes to claim that “American Hustle” and “Booksmart,” through their distinct narratives and characters, offer a comparative lens through which to view and apprehend the evolving identity of America and its people. In their unique ways, these movies reflect on what it is to be American, shedding light on the goals, demanding situations, and complexities that form the American experience.
Overview of “American Hustle”
“American Hustle,” a captivating motion picture set in the late 1970s, intricately entwines a story of deceit, ambition, and survival in a realm where the boundaries between right and wrong are unclear. The plot centers around an ingenious confidence trickster, Irving Rosenfeld, and his equally intelligent associate, Sydney Prosser, as they are compelled to collaborate with an ambitious FBI agent, Richie DiMaso. This partnership propels them into the dangerous and captivating domain of New Jersey power players and organized crime. The movie commences with Rosenfeld’s philosophical pondering, “I believe that you should treat people the way that you want to be treated…,” a statement that anticipates the intricate ethical terrain of the characters (American Hustle, 2013). This moral uncertainty is further underscored when Rosenfeld, reflecting on his deceitful activities, declares, ” I got people working for me, my ideas, I am running the show, I am the quarterback, and I am not gonna settle.” His words summarize the never-ending search for the American Dream, even if it is done in illicit ways.
As the storyline unfolds, the characters become attentive to an intricate, self-constructed situation. Rosenfeld’s contemplation on survival, ” You knew your choices were terrible, but you had to survive,” speaks volumes about how individuals are willing to establish their position in a society that prioritizes success above all else. In a touching moment, Rosenfeld imparts his father’s instruction, “My father, he taught me to believe that all people are good and to be good to all people,” contrasting his father’s idealism with the harsh realities resulting from his life choices. “American Hustle” skillfully portrays a segment of American history where allure and tenacity coexist, mirroring the complex and often ethically ambiguous journey towards achievement and acknowledgment. This theme reverberates throughout the film as the characters navigate a world where each decision is a gamble in the high-stakes pursuit of existence.
Overview of “Booksmart”
“Booksmart” (2019) is a lively, coming-of-age comedy that presents a fresh viewpoint on the American high school journey and the broader dimensions of American culture. Directed by Olivia Wilde, the movie revolves around two high-achieving high school seniors, Amy and Molly, who realize on the eve of their graduation that they may have missed out on essential adolescent experiences due to their intense dedication to academics. This revelation sets them on a mission to condense four years of enjoyment into a single night. The film contrasts the customary narrative of teenage recklessness with a profound emphasis on scholastic accomplishment, encapsulating a notable facet of contemporary American youth culture.
Throughout “Booksmart,” various precise quotations effectively capture the core of the film’s themes. Amy, one of the main characters, expresses her uncertainty about social and sexual matters, stating, “Amy, you’ve been out for two years and you’ve never kissed a girl. I really don’t know what I’m doing with all that stuff.” This line underscores the exploration of sexual identity and the apprehension linked to it, which is a relatable aspect of the modern American teenage experience. Another quotation that resonates profoundly with the film’s message is when Molly, the other main character, asserts, “We didn’t party because we wanted to focus on school and get into good colleges, and it worked, but the irresponsible people who partied also got into those colleges.” This emphasizes the movie’s critical scrutiny of the American educational system and societal anticipations, where academic triumph is frequently equated with sacrificing other facets of life, such as social interactions and personal exploration.
Additionally, the film delves into rule-breaking and its consequences through Molly’s contemplation, stating, “We haven’t done anything. We have not broken any rules. Name one person whose life was much better because they broke several rules.” Here, the film disputes the conventional wisdom that strict adherence to rules ensures success and challenges what constitutes a fulfilling life in American society. In essence, “Booksmart” provides a nuanced and amusing portrayal of American adolescence, addressing topics of identity, societal presumptions, and the emotional aspect of maturation. It skillfully blends humor with a heartfelt analysis of young individuals’ pressures in contemporary America, rendering it a significant narrative for comprehending the American teenage journey.
Depiction of American Identity in “American Hustle”
“American Hustle” vividly depicts a complex American identity shaped by its characters’ aspirations and morals. The protagonist says, “I am the quarterback, and I am not gonna settle” (American Hustle, 2013), reflecting on his life and choices. This statement captures a core American value, the relentless pursuit of personal success, often in morally ambiguous circumstances. This depiction matches Mary C. Waters’s “Ethnic and racial identities of second-generation black immigrants in New York City.” Second-generation immigrants often struggle with American identity and opportunities, as Waters describes. Notes, “Those who identify as ethnic West Indians tend to see more opportunities and rewards for individual effort and initiative” (Waters, 795). This sentiment matches the characters in “American Hustle,” who view their American experience through individualism and ambition, often shaped by their ethnic and racial identities.
The film explores America’s diverse social classes and struggles for upward mobility. Gregory G. Martin et al.’s “Understanding Social Class as Identity” explains how social class in America, often an invisible aspect of identity, significantly shapes an individual’s understanding of their place within the broader societal context. Martin et al. state, “One’s social class is situated within the complex system of classism ” (Martin et al., 11). This insight is pertinent to “American Hustle,” where characters are often defined by their social class and the lengths they will go to alter or escape it. The film showcases a spectrum of American experiences, from the glittering façade of success to the gritty realities of struggle, all intertwined with the complex web of social class identity. This multifaceted portrayal of American identity in “American Hustle” not only reflects its characters’ ambitions and moral dilemmas but also echoes the broader narrative of American society, where identity is continuously shaped and reshaped by personal aspirations and societal structures.
Depiction of American Identity in “Booksmart“
“Booksmart” uniquely portrays the American identity through its focus on the complexities of modern youth culture. The film, centering on two high school girls, reflects the nuanced realities of contemporary American teenagers. A significant quote from the film, “We have not done anything. We have not broken any rules” (Booksmart, 2019), succinctly captures the essence of a generation striving to balance societal expectations with personal aspirations. This sentiment resonates with Michele Meek’s observation on contemporary teen films: “The discursive shift from ‘no means no’ to ‘yes means yes’ had an impact on contemporary American teen film,” (Meek, 101). “Booksmart” embodies this shift, presenting a narrative that moves beyond traditional tropes and delves into the affirmative, consensual aspects of teenage relationships, thereby capturing a critical aspect of the evolving American identity. In addition, the film subtly touches on broader societal issues, such as environmental awareness, echoing concerns highlighted by Robert Bullard in his discussion on environmental justice. Bullard notes, “Environmental racism and climate justice are significant factors shaping the U.S.,” (Spangenthal). While not overtly central to the plot, these themes form an underlying current in “Booksmart,” reflecting the heightened awareness and activism prevalent among American youth today. This inclusion in the film’s narrative underscores the growing importance of environmental consciousness in shaping the identity and values of young Americans.
Comparative Analysis – Similarities
At their core, “American Hustle” and “Booksmart” reflect on the American identity, each unique. Kinzler’s research delves into how nationality in America often transcends legal definitions and is influenced by perceptions shaped by race, ethnicity, or language (Kinzler). This notion is subtly mirrored in both films. “American Hustle” showcases characters navigating a world where success is often associated with a specific demographic, hinting at the underlying societal biases. Kinzler’s observation that “some people may just seem a little more American than others” is evident in how these characters are portrayed and perceived (Kinzler).
Similarly, “Booksmart” touches on this theme but from the perspective of youth navigating the complex social fabric of American high school life. The film implicitly addresses environmental racism, a concept highlighted by Beech, where communities are affected by policies that disproportionately impact them based on race (Beech). While not explicit in its depiction, “Booksmart” alludes to this through its characters’ diverse backgrounds and interactions. Both films, therefore, in their portrayal of American society, reflect the implicit biases and environmental influences that shape the American identity.
Comparative Analysis – Differences
In examining the differences in the depiction of American identity/experience in “American Hustle” and “Booksmart,” it becomes evident that these films offer contrasting lenses through which to view American culture. “American Hustle” immerses viewers in a world of adult ambition, where characters navigate a morally ambiguous landscape. The film underscores the complexity of American identity by depicting a society where personal gain often comes at the expense of ethical principles. This aligns with the observation of Peter Beech in his article on environmental racism, where systemic policies and practices disproportionately burden communities of color with health hazards, revealing a moral underbelly of American society (Beech). Conversely, “Booksmart” explores the innocence and confusion of youth, presenting the American identity from the perspective of high school students. The film reflects the challenges faced by modern American teenagers, emphasizing their struggle to reconcile societal pressures with personal growth. This narrative echoes the observations made by Meek on page 102 in her analysis of contemporary American teenage movies, which spotlight the complexities of consent lifestyle and gender dynamics in modern-day youth’s way of life.
Audience and Message
Considering each film’s audience and messages, it is evident that “American Hustle” frequently targets mature viewers who can recognize the complexities of grown-up life. The movie conveys a message about the relentless pursuit of fulfillment in the American lifestyle, frequently concerning moral compromise. In contrast, “Booksmart” appeals to a more youthful audience, mainly teens and young adults. The film’s message centers on the pressures and challenges confronted by current American youth, highlighting the desire to break unfastened stereotypes and societal expectations. Both movies subtly critique aspects of the American way of life, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the American identity.
Symbolism and Visual Imagery
In both “American Hustle” and “Booksmart,” symbolism and visual imagery play pivotal roles in conveying aspects of American identity. “American Hustle” employs the visual backdrop of the 1970s, with its one-of-a-kind fashion and aesthetics, to represent a length of ethical ambiguity and shifting values in American history. This generation’s visual cues, such as complex hairstyles and flamboyant clothing, decorate the movie’s portrayal of a society wherein appearances often mask genuine intentions. On the other hand, “Booksmart” is predicated on the acquainted with a present-day excessive college, using visible cues like college hallways and teen celebration scenes to symbolize the challenges and picks confronted by current American youth. These visible factors increase the films’ narratives, contributing to their precise views on American identity.
Criticism and Validity
In each movie, subtle criticisms of American subculture emerge. “American Hustle” questions the morality of attaining achievement questionably, highlighting a darker side of the American Dream. On the other hand, “Booksmart” critiques the immense educational and social pressures placed on American children, suggesting that these needs can restrict genuine self-discovery. These criticisms are rooted in societal observations, shedding light on the complexities of American identification and enjoyment. Validity lies inside the relatability of these evaluations to actual-life American conditions. Both movies draw from truth factors, making their criticisms relevant and idea-setting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “American Hustle” and “Booksmart” offer distinct yet insightful perspectives of American identification and experience. While “American Hustle” explores the pursuit of achievement and ethical ambiguity in grownup lifestyles, “Booksmart” delves into the demanding situations of contemporary young people. Together, they paint a comprehensive image of American tradition, showcasing its diversity and complexities. These films shed light on the multifaceted nature of the American identity, reminding us that it is formed with various factors, such as ambition, conformity, and personal growth. Such insights maintain importance in understanding the rich tapestry of American culture and the ever-evolving reviews that define it.
Works Cited
American Hustle (2013) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqgjPRNRDSY&t=68s
Beech, Peter. “What Is Environmental Racism and How Can We Fight It?” World Economic Forum, 31 July 2020, www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/07/what-is-environmental-racism-pollution-covid-systemic/. Accessed 25 Nov. 2023.
Book Smart (2019) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjGJm3wV5-1
Kinzler, Katherine. “Why Some Americans Seem More ‘American’ than Others.” The Conversation, 2 July 2020, theconversation.com/why-some-americans-seem-more-american-than-others-141862. Accessed 25 Nov. 2023.
Martin, Gregory G., et al. “Understanding Social Class as Identity.” New Directions for Student Services, vol. 2018, no. 162, Wiley, June 2018, pp. 9–18, https://doi.org/10.1002/ss.20258.
Meek, Michele. “Exposing Flaws of Affirmative Consent through Contemporary American Teen Films.” ResearchGate, Berghahn Books, Mar. 2021, www.researchgate.net/publication/349662737_Exposing_Flaws_of_Affirmative_Consent_through_Contemporary_American_Teen_Films.
Spangenthal, Paige. “Robert Bullard: How Environmental Racism Shapes the U.S. | Amanpour and Company.” Amanpour & Company, 31 July 2020, www.pbs.org/wnet/amanpour-and-company/video/robert-bullard-how-environmental-racism-shapes-the-us/.
Waters, Mary C. “Ethnic and racial identities of second-generation black immigrants in New York City.” The New Immigrants and American Schools. Routledge, 2022. 227-252.
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