The context of a movie like "The Amateur" relies solely in the character work it is trying to approach. This is a type of movie that is really no longer made: a modern day thriller with a mid-range budget and a limited amount of digital work and people though there is some. In making this his first true leading role since winning his Oscar, Rami Malek returns in a way to what made his famous in "Mr. Robot" but from the other direction. He knows that he also needs to establish himself in certain ways as an empathetic romantic lead.

Making an original film with a period backing with unusual if not eccentric characters can either work gloriously or become hit-or-miss scenario depending on the beats the story takes. "Amsterdam", a new faux comedy from writer/director David O. Russell, is particular in many ways that always populate his films. However it depends on certain edge points.