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The Hustler | Year: 1961 Classification: Drama Directed: - Robert Rossen Actors/Actresses: - Paul Newman - Piper Laurie - Jackie Gleason Timeless Classic "The Hustler" is a classic, and one of my favorite movies. It is the story of Fast Eddie Felson, who starts out a "boy" and becomes a man. Paul Newman plays Fast Eddie. He is a pool hustler, and a very good one. At the start of the movie he wants to play Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason), who is the best pool player in the country. Fats is polished and full of character; Fast Eddie is arrogant and overly confident. After they play, Fast Eddie meets Sarah Packard (Piper Laurie). They both are in need of someone, and the two begin to care for each other. Bert Gordon (George C. Scott) offers to be Fast Eddie's stake horse, and he puts up money and sets up matches for Fast Eddie to play. Bert sees Sarah (and Fast Eddie, for that matter) as someone to manipulate, but he underestimates her. Ultimately, their interaction leads Fast Eddie to redefine himself. The entire cast is fantastic. Paul Newman as Fast Eddie brings a great deal of depth and passion to his role. He believably transforms Fast Eddie to a mature man with poise and character. He showed similar passion in other movies, like "Somebody Up There Likes Me" and "Cool Hand Luke". George C. Scott, who is early in his career, plays Bert, a man who manipulates others to serve himself. His character is not likeable, but one respects the confidence he has in himself. Piper Laurie plays a wounded character with subtle effectiveness. Jackie Gleason is excellent as Minnesota Fats, a man who appears self-assured, with a commanding presence. "The Hustler" was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including: Best Actor (Paul Newman - his second nomination), Best Actress (Piper Laurie), Best Supporting Actor (Jackie Gleason), and Best Supporting Actor (George C. Scott), Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. It won two: Best Cinematography-Black and White (1961), Eugen Schüfftan; Best Art Direction/Set Decoration-Black and White (1961), Harry Horner (Art Direction), Gene Callahan (Set Decoration). It is a beautifully shot movie, and the direction is seamless and unhurried. The Hustler is timeless, and would be appreciated and praised by a first-time viewer today, even though it was made in 1961. Newman's Own... It is a real shame that not one of the actors, nominated for their work in THE HUSTLER, took home the Oscar. Now, a true classic in every sense of the word, the film is still one of the coolest motion pictures ever made. Originally released in 1961, the film is flawless. "Fast" Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) is an arrogant pool hustler, who seems unbeatable, that is until he meets his match. When his desire and ambition for perfection lead him to challenge legendary pool king, "Minnesota Fats" (Jackie Gleason), things heat as Felson may have bitten off more than he can chew. He risks everything good in his life for a shot at glory. Piper Laurie as Sarah Packard, has great chemistry with Newman, and George C. Scott as Bert Gordon is tops too. Based on the book by Walter S. Tevis, the movie was directed by Robert Rossen, and shows off his real talent as a filmmaker. Desperate to put his "Ralph Kramden" character behind him, Gleason delivers a fine dramatic performance, that is sure to surprise you, if you only know him from "The Honeymooners". The pool room action is put together very well. The fact that the film was shot in black and white, only enhanced the action on screen, and makes it give off an almost cooler aura. It's great to finally see the movie on DVD. The special features are great. The most interesting of which, is the "picture-in picture" commentary, that explains how all of the trick shots were done in the film. This innovative feature is "way cool" The commentary track is pretty good too. However, I enjoyed the retrospective documentary, "the inside story", a bit more. It was also neat to see the vintage theatrical trailer. The DVD is Highly Recommended and is a must have in anyone's movie collection One of the greatest American films ever made. MUST SEE!!! With or without the Oscar, this is one of the greatest American films ever made in any genre. George C. Scott refused to take part in the Oscar ceremonies when "The Hustler" was nominated, calling them "a self-serving orgy" if my memory serves me right. Perhaps that stand contributed to the movie not being recognized in its own time. Whatever the reason, this film shows you that recognition is unnecessary for true art. The cream always rises to the top. People may not realize that Paul Newman was an unknown when this movie was made. His youthful brashness and emotion laden performance show him as an actor beyond his years. One can never say too much about George C. Scott. He's old reliable, in this movie as in his others. He does an excellent job. He's just so good that we are numb to his mastery. Piper Laurie also turns in an amazing performance. Her acting is subtle but her method is steady. The real standout in this film is Jackie Gleason. He shows why he was called "The Great One." I personally feel that this movie shows him as the greatest method actor of his generation, and perhaps one of the greatest ever. But unbelievable acting is only one part of this gem. The cinematography is clear and artistic. The script is expertly written and the scenery couldn't be more authentic. This is the only pool movie I know of that you can enjoy as a pool player. The pool scenes are unbelievable. They used the greatest pool players of the day in shooting and it shows. The Color of Money is a nicely shot movie but there is not really a lot of pool in it. This is a pool movie that transcends pool. Please do yourself a favor and add this to your collection. Buy The Hustler at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on The Hustler Search with the Priority Search Engine on The Hustler This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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