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Not used it yet but new & sealed
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
If it was percieved by the critical fraternity that Paul Newman was more impressive in The Colour of Money, its sequal, then one of the great travesties of our time has been done. Coupled of course with the loss of this film, in the best picture stakes, to West-Side Story. The Hustler was Robert Rossen's cimematic masterpiece, and, for all the stylistics and photography employed, it is the contest of talent over self-assurance that makes the lasting immpression. Newman sneers, barks and grins his way through a consistantly impressive script with deadbeat conviction, all the while oblivious to Robert Rossens stark landscapes, and cynical world. Newman is at times breathtaking as 'Fast' Eddy Felson, a young and talented pool hustler in search of the holy grail, the legendary Minnesota Fats. A strong supporting performance from Piper Laurie, adds a romantic interest , and ultimately highlights the importance of love, over the all-mighty dollar. George C. Scott impresses as an evil gambling-adict, while somehow Newman is the only one you see. Piper Laurie's melodramatic character traits threaten to upstage, but it's Newman all the way. Jammed full of quotable lines, this film sometimes risks losing itself in the moment, but it is the very excellent script, and Newman's performance as the greatest anti-hero to date, that sets this aside as one of the greatest post-noir acheivements of our times. Whatever you think of West-Side Story there is no denying the more enduring of the two, or indeed the more affecting. Whatever you think of West Side Story, this is glorious.Read full review
Absolute classic, a young Eddie Felson, Paul Newman, takes on Minnesota Fats, Jackie Gleason, at pool but the story is more about Newman's character developing from a cocky, 'know it all' idealist to a quieter, more mature realist.
A brilliant, vivid evocation of the seedy atmosphere of 1950s pool halls and the men who tried to make a living in them by playing with suckers who didn't realise they were brilliant players - hustlers, in fact. One such is Fast Eddie, a cocky guy whose ambition is to beat legendary player Minnesota Fats. Paul Newman is never less than brilliant as Eddie and Jackie Gleason is quietly magnificent as Fats. Great support from George C. Scott as Fats' financial backer and Piper Laurie as the tragic, alcoholic love interest. A classic. [If possible, try to get the Special Edition, which has many extras including an analysis of pool trick shots].
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