The Hustler
"Newman is outstanding." -Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide
Paul Newman is electrifying as Fast Eddie Felson, an arrogant, amoral hustler who haunts backstreet pool rooms fleecing anyone who'll pick up a cue. Determined to be acclaimed as the best, Eddie seeks out the legendary Minnesota Fats, who's backed by Bert Gordon, a predatory gambler. Eddie can beat the champ, but virtually defeats himself with his low self-image. The love of a lonely woman could turn Eddie's life around, but he won't rest until he beats Minnesota Fats, no matter what price he must pay. Voted one of the year's ten best by "The New York Times" and "Time," and distinguished by 2 Academy Awards - Cinematography, Art Direction-Set Decoration (B&W), The Hustler is a dazzling cinematic triumph.
Member Reviews
Performances and Atmosphere - ShawnConnery
These are the best qualities of The Hustler, one of those movies that you finish and realize how depressed it made you. The acting was of the highest class, Paul Newman truly being outstanding, and the atmosphere truly saturated with the poor, the shabby, and the self-deprecating ambience. Cinematogrpahy excellent as well.Pool Room Atmosphere - Gregg
The story of a cocky up and coming pool shark Fast Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) who wants to challenge a legend of the game Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason).
The entire film is good but it truly shines once it moves inside the pool room, these scenes just seem to drip with atmosphere.
Certainly one of the standout aspects of the picture is the acting. We have Paul Newman giving one of his career defining performances. There is Jackie Gleason best known for the role of Ralph Kramden on the Honeymooners who truly excels here in his role. We also have strong performances from Piper Laurie as Felson's somewhat damaged love interest and George C Scott as his possibly dangerous manager. Although none would win all four would be nominated for Oscars.
The film would be Nominated for nine Academy Awards of which it would win two (for Cinematography and Art Direction/Set Decoration).
It would be followed 25 years later by a sequel Color of Money, directed by Martin Scorsese.
While a professional pool player has become known by the nickname Minnesota Fats the film is in fact the origin of that moniker.Solid film - Nic_Insect
Its pretty simple - Nice black and white cinematography in cinemascope, gritty performance by Newman as an up and coming pool shark, a dark love story, spiralling out of control - and a sequel directed by Martin Scorsese to look forward to... Check this one out if you haven't already.
Member Reviews
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Performances and Atmosphere - ShawnConnery
These are the best qualities of The Hustler, one of those movies that you finish and realize how depressed it made you. The acting was of the highest class, Paul Newman truly being outstanding, and the atmosphere truly saturated with the poor, the shabby, ...Pool Room Atmosphere - Gregg
The story of a cocky up and coming pool shark Fast Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) who wants to challenge a legend of the game Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason).
The entire film is good but it truly shines once it moves inside the pool room, these scenes just ...Solid film - Nic_Insect
Its pretty simple - Nice black and white cinematography in cinemascope, gritty performance by Newman as an up and coming pool shark, a dark love story, spiralling out of control - and a sequel directed by Martin Scorsese to look forward to... Check this one ...