Scrolling through my all-time movie list, wondering which reviews to post, I was somewhat interrupted by the news that Paul Newman had passed away at the age of 83. I grew up after Paul Newman’s golden era, but there are countless classics that I could select as a tribute. My favorites include The Sting, Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid, and Cool Hand Luke. I was 14, when The Color of Money was released, knowing Paul Newman as nothing more than a name. He won Best Actor for that role. Roger Ebert called that “a belated amends for The Hustler.”


As a pool player myself, I enjoyed The Color of Money. But it was in subsequent years that I’d see and come to love The Hustler. And it was Paul Newman who created the immediate draw. Suddenly I was seeing this old man in a new light, with his looks, his smiles, and his illuminating character that lights up this black and white classic. Fast Eddie Felson (Newman) is past his best when we see The Color of Money. Tom Cruise plays the young pup who dances with excitement, pulling out all the tricks. As we go back to The Hustler conversely, we see Fast Eddie as the vibrant, energetic youth that wants to enter the halls of legends and prove himself as the best.


But The Hustler is not just a movie about shooting pool, trick shots and fast action. You feel the excitement and anticipation whenever Fast Eddie picks up his stick, but the real magic of the movie lies in everything else that goes on away from the table. The movie is enveloped with the legendary matchups against pool hall great Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason). The scenes are classics. The focus is not on the shots and the table itself, but on the psyche of the two players squaring off against each other. The cinematography and direction here are outstanding as you’re drawn into the tension and anxiety. Gleason as Minnesota Fats, is the contrast to Fast Eddie. He’s the old dog, that’s been around the game his whole life and watches with indifference as if he’s apparently seen it all before. He’s everything that the excitable Fast Eddie longs to be, cool, classy and calm.


Outside of the pool hall however, the movie is a dark tale of Fast Eddie’s struggles within himself, told in no better way than in his dysfunctional relationship with alcoholic Sarah Pickard (Piper Laurie). Here are two people, finding compatibility, through their combined unhappiness and depression. Both long for something better, something more, but neither one has anywhere else to go. While Newman’s initial energy provide the immediate draw, it’s his inner struggles that truly define his performance.


The support cast is exceptional too. Jackie Gleason’s screen time is limited as Minnesota Fats, but was convincing enough to earn him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Also nominated in the same category was George C. Scott, the shrewd and ruthless manager. Scott is impressive in his duality; on one side he seems benevolent in helping Fast Eddie get himself back together again, while he also seems willing to break him in a heartbeat. You sense that it’s all part of some pre-determined plan drawn out for his own financial interest. Piper Laurie was also nominated for her role.


But the true magic of the movie lies with Paul Newman. He was already a major Hollywood name by now, but this is the role that defined him as a leading actor of the highest ranks. He went on to several other great achievements, but Fast Eddie is always the one I’ll remember him by and admire him for. He made the movie what it is today: A timeless classic and one for the archives.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD