The drama genre has been popular since the great works of Shakespeare and it’s extremely adored in film today. Modern drama films generally include an “average Joe” protagonist that we can relate to one way or another. Our average Joe is eventually faced with an intense conflict during an important part of their life. This conflict will test them physically, emotionally, and mentally, forcing them to make extreme and spontaneous decisions. It’s those nail--biting decisions that keep us on the edge of our seats.

Movies have always been a portal to escape reality through and having a relatable character makes it that much easier. Relatable characters let our imaginations run wild as the characters develop. Whether it be the latest high school gossip or their new favorite character’s trials and tribulations, people always have a desire for drama in their life.

Dramas being released in recent years have generally had one common theme: money and success. In a capitalist society the money and success theme works extremley well because it’s what every American dreams of. One of these films is American Hustle, starring Christian Bale and Bradley Cooper. The film follows Irving Rosenfield (Christian Bale), a successful con-man who is faced with the ultimatum of working for FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper) or having his girlfriend Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) go to jail. Released only two weeks after American Hustle, The Wolf of Wall Street is another modern drama about rapid acquirement of money and success; however its protagonist is a much less stable, drug and sex addicted Jordan Belfort. Belfort is a Wall Street broker who makes it big when he starts to sell penny stock to millionaires, but not without succumbing to the side of effects of his opulent lifestyle. People enjoy these dramas about money and success because they show us that desired lifestyle that many of us will never experience, but also shows the consequences of that lifestyle.

American Hustle shows us the true brilliance that can be found in a con - man. The film’s three main characters are extremely likeable and often times funny. That’s another thing, seeming like such a drama based movie, American Hustle has several hilarious moments. One thing that I particularly enjoyed about the film was the narrative input that the audience heard from the protagonist, Irving. It also has an amazing soundtrack that ranges from Smooth Jazz to 70’s Rock & Roll and fits the different parts of the film wonderfully. American Hustle is definitely one of the best films of 2013 and perhaps of its decade.