The Hustler

Pool hustler Fast Eddie Felson is not only one of Paul Newman’s greatest roles but also one of the greatest and most vividly remembered roles in movie history. The credibility and integrity of his portrayal of the talented young pool player is beyond question. It’s a pitch-perfect movie. It tells of Felson’s internal struggle, failures and ultimate redemption through a series of brilliantly filmed episodes set mainly in dingy pool halls, hotel rooms and apartments. The pool hall scenes are wonderfully atmospheric. Shooting in Black & White was undoubtedly the right choice. Its testament to the quality of the supporting cast that they are not completely overshadowed by Newman’s performance. Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie and George C Scott are all excellent and bring their characters to vivid life. A top class movie. 25 years later Newman reprised the role of Fast Eddy in The Colour of Money with Tom Cruise. Ironically this second and inferior outing is where he won his only Oscar.