movies,

Is the movie American Hustle (2013) based on a true story?

Avery Davis Avery Davis May 01, 2023 · 2 mins read
Is the movie American Hustle (2013) based on a true story?
Share this

Yes, American Hustle is loosely based on the Abscam scandal of the late 1970s and early 1980s, in which the FBI conducted a sting operation involving members of Congress and government officials. However, the characters and events in the movie are fictional.

What is the true story behind the movie American Hustle (2013)?

The movie American Hustle is loosely based on the real-life events of the Abscam scandal that took place in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Abscam operation was conducted by the FBI to investigate public corruption, specifically targeting politicians and government officials.

The movie follows con artists Irving Rosenfeld and Sydney Prosser as they become entangled with FBI agent Richie DiMaso, who enlists their help in a sting operation to catch corrupt politicians. The trio uses a fake Arab sheikh and a briefcase filled with cash to lure politicians into accepting bribes.

While the basic plot of the movie reflects the Abscam scandal, many details and characters were fictionalized for the purposes of the film. The characters of Irving and Sydney, as well as their love story, are completely made up, and Richie DiMaso is a composite character based on several FBI agents involved in the Abscam operation.

Overall, while American Hustle was inspired by real events, it should be viewed as a fictionalized version of those events rather than a completely accurate depiction of the Abscam scandal.

Are there any books about the true story behind the movie American Hustle (2013)?

Yes, there are a few books that explore the true story behind the movie American Hustle. Here are a couple:

  1. The Sting Man: Inside Abscam by Robert W. Greene - This book tells the full story of the FBI’s Abscam sting operation, which is the basis for the plot of American Hustle.

  2. The Art of the Con: The Most Notorious Fakes, Frauds, and Forgeries in the Art World by Anthony M. Amore - While not specifically about Abscam or American Hustle, this book explores the world of art forgery and the colorful characters who have perpetrated some of the most successful con jobs in history. It provides a broader context for the themes of deceit and manipulation that are central to the film.

You can try an audible free trial and search for audiobook versions of those

movies
Avery Davis
Written by Avery Davis
Unleashing potential with passion and purpose.