Original American Hustle movie costumes on display...

On my recent return from the U.K. to L.A. I was greeted by a veritable cornucopia of movie costume exhibits at ArcLight Hollywood, everything from fantasy costumes from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug to Joaquin Phoenix's film wardrobe from Her (more on those soon) and probably the most fabulous displays of them all were these over-the-top 70's inspired costumes from American Hustle.

American Hustle costume exhibit at ArcLight Hollywood

These five fabulous outfits worn by the all-star cast in David O'Russell's acclaimed new crime comedy drama were designed by Michael Wilkinson and photographed on display at ArcLight Hollywood cinema on December 21, 2013.

You can also see his costume designs in Watchmen, Sucker Punch, Tron: Legacy and most recently his new Superman suit design in Man of Steel.

American Hustle movie billboard

American Hustle is based on the real life FBI ABSCAM sting operation of the late 70's and early 80's, when a con-artist is recruited by an unorthodox FBI Agent along with his partner and lover, to go undercover into the corrupt world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia.

Costume worn by Bradley Cooper as Richie DiMaso 
in American Hustle

In the movie Bradley Cooper plays the wild FBI Agent 'Richard "Richie" DiMaso' who catches the small-time con-artist duo and recruits them to work for him.

Apparently the Costume Designer was influenced by such films as Goodfellas and Atlantic City, plus referenced magazines, TV shows and advertisements from the era to help create the period looks, and Saturday Night Fever was especially influential for the look of Bradley Cooper's Bronx born character, like this silk shirt and scarf outfit.

If you're a fan of the actor, be sure to check out Bradley Cooper's police costume from The Place Beyond The Pines (he must be attracted to playing law enforcement characters).

Dress worn by Amy Adams as Sydney Prosser 
in American Hustle

Amy Adam's plunging Studio 54-style halter sequin dress may not have been in the middle of this costume display, but it certainly was the 'wow' centerpiece of the exhibit and literally dazzled from its display case.

In the film the actress plays 'Sydney Prosser', former stripper, and the business scam partner and mistress of Christian Bale's 'Irving Rosenfeld' con man character. This outfit is clearly not worn by a damsel in distress, but rather a master manipulator who is able to play both her lover and her FBI handler.

If you love the actress, be sure to also check out Amy Adams movie costumes from Enchanted on display.

Costume worn by Christian Bale as Irving Rosenfeld 
in American Hustle

Christian Bale once again morphs into someone almost unrecognizable in this new movie, with the aid of a comb-over, some facial hair and about an extra 40 pounds of weight from his usual muscular Batman physique, or even more than his ultra-skinny look for The Machinist.

He plays the conman 'Irving Rosenfeld', based on the real-life 70's sting operation con artist, Mel Weinberg, and wears this signature blue suit in the movie (which is even featured on the promotional billboards and posters).

For a more familiar look for the actor, be sure to check out Christian Bale's Batman suits from The Dark Knight trilogy on display.

Dress and fur worn by Jennifer Lawrence as Rosalyn Rosenfeld 

in American Hustle

Not content to dominate the box office as 'Katniss Everdeen' in The Hunger Games movie franchise, Jennifer Lawrence also stars as Irving's unstable wife and mother of his child in this movie, again showing her amazing range as an actress.

Amy Adams dazzling dress may be a real showstopper, but 'Rosalyn Rosenfeld's' white dress and luxurious fur makes for a real spectacle too.

Costume worn by Jeremy Renner as Mayor Carmine Polito 

in American Hustle

And finally of the lead cast, here's the suit, complete with frilly shirt, worn by Jeremy Renner as 'Carmine Polito', the mayor of Camden, New Jersey, who the FBI target to entrap and use in their sting operation.

If you're a fan of the actor, be sure to check out the bomb suit from The Hurt Locker, the film which propelled Jeremy Renner's career into the Hollywood A-List.

You have to agree, this was a pretty spectacular display of costumes, especially as they were worn by so many big Hollywood names.

Original Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Marion Cotillard 1930's costumes from Public Enemies...

This amazing selection of original costumes and props from 1930's American gangster movie Public Enemies, about the exploits of notorious bank robber John Dillinger, were photographed on display at ArcLight Sherman Oaks cinema on July 2, 2009.

Actual costumes and props from the movie Public Enemies

The movie stars Johnny Depp as 'John Dillinger', Christian Bale as 'FBI Agent Melvin Purvis' who pursues him and Oscar-Winner Marion Cotillard as Dillinger's lover, 'Billie Frechette'.

Johnny Depp as John Dillinger 

Public Enemies movie poster

Colleen Atwood was responsible for the costume design for the movie (who also worked with Johnny Depp on Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd).

Colleen Atwood designed Public Enemies costumes

Public Enemies movie billboard on Sunset Boulevard in L.A.

Johnny Depp Public Enemies movie poster

Actual outfit worn by Johnny Depp as notorious 

1930's bank robber 'John Dillinger'

Marion Cotillard Public Enemies movie poster

Original outfit worn by Marion Cotillard 

as 'Billie Frechette' in Public Enemies

Public Enemies movie billboard

Christian Bale Public Enemies movie poster

Actual 1930's outfit worn by Christian Bale in Public Enemies 

as FBI Agent 'Melvin Purvis'

Actual movie props used in Public Enemies

In addition to the wonderful costumes worn by the film's lead actors, there was also a collection of original props used in the movie on show.

Pictured in the top of display case above is the actual Emil Kerner & Son Suhl model 98 bolt-action rifle used by Christian Bale, as FBI Agent Melvin Purvis, against Pretty Boy Floyd in the opening scenes of the film.

On the lower shelf on the left is a copy of 'True Detective Mysteries' magazine which is read by Johnny Depp as John Dillinger in his prison cell. 

On the far-right is a pocket watch belonging to John Dillinger, which holds a picture of his lover Billie Frechette.

Last but by no means least, is another weapon, this time John Dillinger's M1928 A1 Thompson submachine gun containing a box magazine, used in one of the bank robberies in Public Enemies.

Public Enemies movie billboard

Finally here is a short video clip of the Public Enemies costume and prop exhibit at ArcLight Sherman Oaks.

If you like these 1930's inspired costumes you may like these original costumes worn in Angelina Jolie's Changeling movie.