Review of The Hustler (1961) by Stuart K — 23 Apr 2012
Based upon the 1959 novel of the same name by Walter Tevis, and adapted and directed by Robert Rossen (All the King's Men (1949) and Alexander the Great (1956)), this is a hip and fast drama done in a noirish black and white, and featuring more trick shots than John Virgo.
It's a great drama with brilliant performances and a brilliant jazzy soundtrack by Kenyon Hopkins. This film tells the story of small time pool hustler "Fast Eddie" Felson (Paul Newman) who travels the country from Oakland, California with his friend Charlie (Myron McCormick), to take on legendary pool champ Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason), after playing for 25 hours straight, Eddie wins $18,000, but blows it all.
As he leaves to head home, he meets alcoholic college girl Sarah Packard (Piper Laurie), who Eddie begins a relationship with. During the showdown with Minnesota, Eddie was introduced to professional gambler Bert Gordon (George C.
Scott), who claims he can help Eddie win big, but after hustling the wrong people, Eddie ends up having his thumbs broken, but after they've healed, he's determined to take on Minnesota Fats again.
It's a very engaging drama with some brilliant pool action, (Newman and Gleason learnt how to do pool to an almost professional level), but it's like an American equivalent of those Angry Young Men dramas that were coming out of the UK at the time, and Newman just reeks of coolness in this.
This review of The Hustler (1961) was written by Stuart K on 23 Apr 2012.
The Hustler has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
