Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a 2022 historical comedy-drama film written and directed by David O. Russell. The film is set in 1938, during a time of great social change in America. It follows the lives of three main characters: Dr. Burt Saris (Christian Bale), an ambitious but morally conflicted doctor; Cora Boltroot (Margot Robbie), a kind-hearted nurse with a mysterious past; and Val Ziegler (John David Washington), an ambitious and well-educated attorney. The story begins with Cora and Val meeting Burt at the Academy Awards ceremony, where they discuss the politics of the day and the growing disillusionment of the American people with their leaders. As they part ways, the three friends go their separate ways, with Cora returning to her nursing work and Burt to his practice. However, their lives are forever changed when they witness the murder of Timothy Cronyn, a prominent and well-connected politician. The incident takes place during a lavish party in the Holland Tunnel in New Jersey, in an area known as a 'little Amsterdam.' The trio flees the scene, unaware that a murder has taken place, but the consequences of their actions soon catch up with them. As the investigation into Cronyn's death unfolds, the three friends become embroiled in a massive conspiracy involving politicians, industrialists, and even the US military. They soon discover that Cronyn was killed to prevent him from exposing a sinister plot to cover up a series of events known as the 'Radium Girls' scandal. The scandal involved a large number of workers at various factories, who became ill and suffered from radiation poisoning due to their exposure to radium while working with glow-in-the-dark paint. The trio decides to embark on an investigation of their own to uncover the truth about Cronyn's murder and the Radium Girls scandal. Along the way, they meet various figures from the world of politics and industry, including a flamboyant playboy named Belmont 'Bel' (Rami Malek), who has links to the conspirators. As they dig deeper, the friends discover a web of deceit and corruption that reaches the highest levels of power in America. They also uncover the truth about Cora's mysterious past and the reason she has been avoiding Burt. The investigation puts the trio in increasingly perilous situations, with them having to navigate the complex world of politics and industry to expose the truth. Throughout the film, the three friends form a strong bond, based on their shared sense of morality and their determination to do what is right. The character of Cora, played by Margot Robbie, is particularly well-developed, and her backstory and motivations are expertly woven into the narrative. As the investigation unfolds, the friends discover that the conspirators are willing to do anything to keep their secrets hidden. They use intimidation, bribery, and even violence to silence witnesses and prevent the truth from coming to light. The trio also discovers that the murder of Cronyn is just one part of a larger conspiracy involving several other murders and cover-ups. The film is a tribute to the real-life Radium Girls scandal, which was a dark chapter in American history. The scandal involved hundreds of workers, mostly women, who were exposed to radium poisoning while working with glow-in-the-dark paint during World War I. The workers, who were mostly young women, suffered from radiation poisoning, causing them to become ill and eventually lead to their deaths. The film also stars Alessandro Nivola, Amy Ryan, and Andrea Riseborough in supporting roles. It has a large cast of characters, many of whom have complex motivations and secrets. The film's script is witty and engaging, with several humorous moments that serve to highlight the absurdity of the situation. Throughout the film, David O. Russell's direction is masterful, using a range of visual techniques to convey the complex web of deceit and corruption. The film's cinematography is stunning, capturing the glamour and opulence of the 1930s era. The score is also effective, capturing the mood and atmosphere of the film. Overall, Amsterdam is a gripping and thought-provoking film that explores the darker side of American history. It is a tribute to the real-life Radium Girls scandal, and it also serves as a commentary on the corruption and deceit that can exist at the highest levels of power. The film is engaging, well-acted, and visually stunning, making it a must-see for anyone interested in historical drama.