FILM : CRIME DRAMA 'AMSTERDAM'

 

Film 'Amsterdam' merges facts, fiction and teamwork. And the film reunites Christian Bale, David O Russell.

Los Angeles : Director David O Russell enlists his star cast in the production of his new crime drama Amsterdam.

The five-time Oscar nominee reunited with his The Fighter and American Hustle star Christian Bale to develop the film, the two having been together at dinner for years to bounce ideas off each other.

''He didn't have a script. He just had some ideas. We started trading music that we would listen to, bits of history that we would learn about. David would write it all. And then, over the years and years, came up with this story,'' Bale shared at the film's European premiere in London.

Similarly, Bale's co-star Margot Robbie was to help bring her character to life. Robbie said, ''I was talking to David about Valerie for years before we actually got to make the film. It was like a creative process that kept evolving.''

Amsterdam is set in the 1918 and early 1930s and centers around three friends, Burt Berendson [Bale], Harold Woodman [ John David Washington] and Valerie [Robbie], whose paths cross wartorn Europe and who make a pact Always protect each other.

Returning to New York from World War 1, wounded inside and out, Burt begins to practice experimental medicine and Harold becomes a lawyer, supporting the vulnerable. 

When the daughter of their wartime battalion leader turns to them for help after their sudden, suspicious death, the three become embroiled in a dangerous political conspiracy.

Elements of the film are inspired by real historical events and people, including the fascist coup attempt against US President Franklin D Roosevelt.

''We wanted to see the kind of friendship we wanted, a triangle of people who could do something for each other, no matter what,'' Bale said.

'' They are forged in the crucible of the great war, and they have declared that they will do anything for each other, and they cling to it, no matter what, even if they are dragged into this massive murder rap and Then in this huge global conspiracy, which is crazy but really based on fact.''

In addition to its top billing trio, the film stars a star-studded cast including Taylor Swift, Robert De Niro, Chris Rock, Anya Taylor - Joy, Rami Malek and Mike Myers.

Amsterdam begins its global theatrical rollout in October. [Reuters]