While Amsterdam isn't perfect it is certainly masterful. It luxuriates in period style and ensemble acting. The obviousness of the cast and cameos is part of the incongruous story telling, and David O. Russell nails it.

Russell's homage to film noir, droll comedy and '30s style intrigue is the point of the film, not the drama of the story or plot.

He offers us intimate portraits and performances with a cast at the peak of its craft and cinematic powers.

This banquet is the real entertainment of Amsterdam.

Russell's bleeding of high contrast natural light into many scenes adds a further homage to the period, and the translucent lighting of Hollywood black and white film making.

Of the many freedoms Russell pursues in the making and the messages of this film, it is the film making itself which is a comment on anti facism. For those who resent the fact that this movie doesn't spoon feed, think of it as if you're watching 'Knives Out' without the painting by numbers.

And, if you're interested in the inspiration for Christian Bale's glass eyed Bert Berendsen, take a look at any work by (Columbo) Peter Falk.

In fact, I believe Bale chooses to invoke Falk as a personal and entertaining homage to a fine and underrated American actor.