 Synopsis:
The Hustler is the story of Eddie Felson, a pool hall hustler with
way too much attitude and not enough common sense. Eddie (Paul
Newman) is noticed in a local hall by Bert Gordon (George C
Scott). Bert becomes Eddie's financial backer and advisor as he
takes Eddie on a journey across various pool halls and locations
to become a pool hall great. Piper Laurie plays Sarah, Eddie's
romantic interest in the film. Their romance is the backbone to
Eddie's sanity, as fragile a backbone as it is. Jackie Gleason has
a wonderful role as Minnesota Fats, a pool hall legend Eddie vows
to beat.
The Freak's Rating: B+ : Every now and then I will venture into cinematic past to season my
tastes a little further. When I was younger my parents use to have
The Movie Channel. TMC showed movies from all eras and I remember
watching the "coming up..." ad and wondering if the next film
would be in black and white or color. I have never been bothered
by black and white movies. Color can truly spoil a movie. Most
people I've told this to don't agree. To them I would suggest a
viewing of the 1961 classic, The Hustler.
The Hustler was nominated for 9 Academy Awards (back when that
meant something). It won for cinematography and is as brilliant
now as it was then. The shadows and dark smoky atmosphere of the
pool hall can't be captured like this in color. I can't imagine
watching this movie and not wanting to pick up a pool cue. Though
the pace of the movie does lag a little with the romance, the hall
scenes are engrossing. |
