David O. Russell may not be the most prolific director of his generation, but he is one of the most prestigious. Over nearly 30 years in Hollywood, Russell has enjoyed considerable success…as well as some well-warranted criticism. His work has been celebrated by artists and critics, but his on-set and off-set behavior has been alleged as abusive, and well-documented in the media. We’re going to rank the best David O. Russell movies by way of three criteria: story, directing, and acting. By the end, you’ll know why he has been nominated for five Academy Awards as a writer and/or director – and what makes each of his films unique.
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David O. Russell Movies List
9. Accidental Love
Best David O. Russell Movies • Accidental Love Trailer
David O. Russell famously left production of Accidental Love, then called Nailed, after a financing dispute. So perhaps it’s unfair to judge his work too harshly; he’s officially credited as a writer and director under the pseudonym Stephen Greene.
But Accidental Love stinks. Like really stinks. I started watching it without knowing the backstory and couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Jessica Biel stars in the film as a waitress who becomes impaired after being "accidentally" shot by a nail-gun. What ensues is best described as ineffective satire of the American healthcare system.
David O Russell Best Movies
Conclusion
I don’t think anybody involved with Accidental Love wanted to see it released – but alas, it was.
Best David O Russell Movies
8. I Heart Huckabees
Best David O. Russell Movies • I Heart Huckabees Trailer
It isn’t easy to make movies out of themes relating to existentialism and ennui. Historically, the subject matter has translated better to the text and the stage. David O. Russell tried to buck the trend with I Heart Huckabees: a thoroughly philosophical examination of life and love.
I’m far from the first to suggest this: but I Heart Huckabees is way too brash with its epistemological commentary. The story, which follows a group of people struggling to find purpose in an increasingly consumerist society, lacks the restraint needed to build narrative nuance.
David O Russell Movies
Conclusion
I Heart Huckabees attempts to “dumb-down” Kant and Kierkegaard for general audiences, but neglects to explore the intricacies of the arguments it presents.
David O Russell Films, Ranked
7. Joy
Best David O. Russell Movies • Joy Trailer
David O. Russell reunited with the stars of Silver Linings Playbook – Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, and Bradley Cooper – for the 2015 comedy-drama movie Joy.
But unlike its predecessor, Joy failed to capture the hearts of critics at large.
The story follows famed inventor Joy Mangano during her early years as she struggles to get her “miracle mop” off the ground. There’s no doubt that the film is well-shot and well-produced – but it’s also somewhat soulless. The best David O. Russell movies thrive on the combination of narrative action and emotional intimacy. Joy has both; but they often feel disconnected.
David O Russell Films
Conclusion
Jennifer Lawrence gives a tour de force performance as “Joy,” which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
David O. Russell Movies List
6. Spanking the Monkey
Best David O. Russell Movies • Spanking the Monkey Trailer
David O. Russell’s first feature film, Spanking the Monkey, was a hit with critics… but controversial with general cinema audiences. Jeremy Davies stars as a college student who returns home to take care of his enfeebled mother.
Spanking the Monkey holds nothing back in its exploration of maturation, perversion, and sexualization. But perhaps the best element of the film is how it depicts life in suburban America. At the time of the film’s release, critics lauded O. Russell’s direction, and argued about its subject matter.
David O Russell Movies
Conclusion
Today, Spanking the Monkey is known more for two reasons: being O. Russell’s first feature film and having incestuous shock-value. Beyond that, there aren’t many reasons to recommend it, even if it is a decent movie.
Best David O Russell Movies
5. Flirting With Disaster
Best David O. Russell Movies • Flirting With Disaster Trailer
Flirting With Disaster is an appropriately-titled comedy of errors, elevated by a rock-solid cast, with Ben Stiller and Patricia Arquette in leading roles.
The film follows a young man’s quest to find his biological parents. At first, it seems like a rather straightforward endeavor, but complications quickly arise. The film isn’t profound or laugh-out-loud funny – but it is fun and well-acted.
David O Russell Films
Conclusion
Flirting With Disaster imparts a surprisingly wholesome message on family and romance despite its insane plot.
David O Russell Films, Ranked
4. Three Kings
Best David O. Russell Movies • Three Kings Trailer
It reportedly only took David O. Russell six words to sign on to direct Three Kings: “heist set in the Gulf War.”
George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, and Ice Cube star in the film as three American soldiers on-duty during the last days of the Persian Gulf War. Three Kings deftly blends drama and comedy to deliver a story both sensitive and critical to the setting it represents.
David O. Russell Best Movies
Conclusion
Three Kings received a lot of acclaim at the time of its release; how it has aged is up to the interpreter.
David O. Russell Movies List
3. American Hustle
Best David O. Russell Movies • American Hustle Trailer
American Hustle is proof of the maxim style over substance. But boy oh boy how stylish it is. Christian Bale dominates the screen in the role of Irving Rosenfeld, a con-artist who turns into a government informant.
The film – set in the ‘70s/early ‘80s – is rich in period detail, from costuming to set dressing, to hair & makeup; you name it, American Hustle knocks it out of the park. That said, American Hustle is a bit light on suspense… which is shocking considering its false-identity premise.
David O Russell Movies
Conclusion
American Hustle never quite exceeds the sum of its parts; it’s a good movie no doubt, just not a great one. The critic in me thinks it would’ve worked better as a miniseries, where its story – based on the Abscam scandal – could better reflect the insane real-life events.
Best David O Russell Movies
2. The Fighter
Best David O. Russell Movies • The Fighter Trailer
Mark Wahlberg stars in The Fighter as Micky Ward, a real-life boxer who rose from a terrible situation to become a champion – what kind of champion I won’t spoil here. But it’s Christian Bale who steals the show again as Dicky Ecklund, Ward’s half-brother and trainer.
Ecklund was a boxing contender in his younger years. Both The Fighter and High on Crack Street: Lost Lives in Lowell chronicle his addiction to crack-cocaine. The Fighter is decidedly depressing in thematic and visual tone – but there is an optimistic message in its ending.
David O Russell Movies
Conclusion
The Fighter was nominated for seven Academy Awards; winning two, one for Best Supporting Actor (Bale) and one for Best Supporting Actress (Melissa Leo).
David O Russell Films, Ranked
1. Silver Linings Playbook
Best David O. Russell Movies • Silver Linings Playbook Trailer
It’s not easy to make movies about mental illness; the subject matter is sensitive, believable acting is integral, and direction requires a deft hand. Perhaps that’s why Silver Linings Playbook was so surprising – and remains so good to this day.
The entire cast of Silver Linings Playbook is phenomenal. I mean, how could it not be with Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, and Chris Tucker rounding out the supporting roles? But I’d be remiss if I didn’t highlight the performances of Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence; both give career work in the form of not-so star-crossed lovers, who, despite trepidation, find silver linings in the greatest battles of life.
David O. Russell Best Movies
Conclusion
Silver Linings Playbook isn’t just O. Russell’s best film, it’s one of the best films of the 21st century – and essential viewing for anybody experiencing anxiety, doubt, or depression.
Up Next
Best Steven Soderbergh Movies
David O. Russell is one of the most famous American directors of the 21st-century. In many ways, American filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, just five years his junior, represents his antithesis, both practically and stylistically. In a practical sense, Russell is refined, while Soderbergh is experimental. Thematically, Russell is focused on intimacy, while Soderbergh vies for sensationalism. Of course, there are exceptions to these perspectives! Follow along as we explore the best Steven Soderbergh movies.
Up Next: Best Soderbergh Movies →
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