Jennifer Lawrence Defends Controversial ‘American Hustle’ Director: “Never Felt Like He Was Degrading”

Director David O. Russell is known for demanding perfection, but also for creating tension on his movie sets. While he’s faced numerous accusations of difficult behavior, the claims surrounding the making of his 2013 film, American Hustle, were particularly serious. Actors Amy Adams and Christian Bale have previously discussed the issues, and now Jennifer Lawrence is speaking out – surprisingly, to support Russell.

Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence recently sat down for a candid conversation with The New York Times as part of their The Interview series. She spoke with host Lulu Garcia-Navarro about a range of topics, including her political views, her new film with Robert Pattinson, and her work with various Hollywood directors. When asked about adapting to different directing styles – particularly those that require a lot of emotional depth – Lawrence shared her experiences working with the director of Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle, and Joy.

I always appreciated David’s direct and honest communication style. He never put me down or raised his voice. If he didn’t approve of something, he’d simply say it wasn’t good enough and tell me to improve it, which was actually really helpful. He’d give specific feedback, like telling me to ‘slow down’ or ‘not be so loud.’ I’m not easily offended, and I think you have to be able to handle directness to work in this field.

I’m not sure if he was more critical of Amy Adams than he was of me. I am a sensitive person, so it’s hard to say for sure.

David O. Russell Has a Reputation of Clashing With Actors in His Sets

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The director of films such as Three Kings and The Fighter has been involved in numerous controversies throughout his career. Beyond a serious, but ultimately unproven, sexual assault allegation involving his niece, he’s also been accused of creating a tense atmosphere on set. While many accusations have surfaced, most come from actors who have worked with him, rather than from other crew members.

Several of David O. Russell’s films, from 1998’s Three Kings to the upcoming Madden, have been marked by reports of difficult on-set behavior. However, the tensions during the making of American Hustle are particularly well-known. According to reports, Christian Bale found himself acting as a go-between for Russell and Amy Adams, and he later told GQ that he simply tried to help them resolve their issues. He explained, “I did what I felt was right. If I understand what’s causing the problem, I usually try to mediate – it’s just my nature to say, ‘Let’s sit down and figure this out.'”

Years after the movie came out, Amy Adams spoke about David O. Russell’s difficult behavior on the set of American Hustle. In an interview with GQ, she described feeling deeply upset most days while filming. She noted that Jennifer Lawrence seemed unaffected, but Adams herself wasn’t able to brush things off. She also explained that she couldn’t stand seeing anyone treated poorly and that, for her, real life is more important than making movies. The experience taught her to keep her work life separate from her personal life, especially because she didn’t want to bring those negative feelings home to her daughter.

2025-11-04 20:02

David O. Russell Has a Reputation of Clashing With Actors in His Sets

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