Amsterdam (Mini-Review)

Amsterdam tells the story of three friends caught up in a conspiracy. During World War I Burt Berendsen, Harold Woodsman, and Valerie formed a tight friendship. They spent some time in Amsterdam where they were able to escape their lives for some time. Years later Burt is a doctor, Harold is a lawyer, and Valerie hasn't contacted the other two for some time. The trio is again reunited when they are caught up in the mysterious murder of a US senator. Amsterdam was released in 2022. It was directed by David O. Russell. It stars Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington.

There is no post-credits scene. However, during a portion of the credits you are able to see some of Valerie's artwork. As there is constant mentions of its oddness, it's nice being able to focus entirely on it.

This movie has a light hearted tone that is easy to get lost in. Everything feels too happy to be real. This is especially true of Valerie who is very eccentric. She doesn't reveal her last name and so her past is also very mysterious. The thing that gets her, Harold, and Burt to become friends is her quirk of taking the shrapnel. They question what she does with the shrapnel and this leads to their friendship.

Burt's character arc sees him deciding if he wants to follow his heart or head. Beatrice, his wife, and in-laws get him to join World War I. Even though he risked life, limb, and lost an eye they quickly part ways. When he got back home he decided to help his fellow veterans which ends up getting him in trouble. On the opposite side is Irma. She believes in love and won't be with Burt unless he feels the same way. Throughout the movie Beatrice shows herself to be manipulative, including coming to see Burt when she thinks he's eyeing Irma.

There is a focus on veterans and the things they suffer. Even though Burt went to war to please his wife and in-laws, he doesn't have a warm welcome when he arrives home. Harold becomes a lawyer but is still victim to racism. Valerie has the worst luck when returning home. Her fate is honestly messed up and once you learn what was really going on with her things get worse.

I was excited to see that Taylor Swift was in this movie but was aware her role would most likely be extremely small. She wasn't shown that much in the trailer so it was unlikely she'd be a big part of the film. She plays Elizabeth Meekins who is the daughter of the US senator that died. It is her belief that her father was murdered. Elizabeth contacts Harold who gets Burt to help perform an autopsy on her father.

I would recommend Amsterdam to those looking for a good comedy. I would also recommend Amsterdam to those looking for a movie very loosely based on real events.