Over handfuls of popcorn in Lincoln Square cinemas recently, I saw the movie American Hustle, directed by David O. Russell. Winner of a Golden Globe and nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, American Hustle refurbishes the story of ABSCAM, a late 1970s FBI sting operation. American Hustle is not necessarily a modern-day Medea; however, looking at American Hustle through the lens of Medea highlights some interesting counterpoints between the two works, which, I think, reveal the enriching power of the Classics.