Review of The Hustler (1961) by Dan S — 22 Mar 2013

George C. Scott is fearsome. I love the way he carries his self on stage. Hustler was only his third appearance in the movies. This film had some impressive cameo performances, with a supporting best actor nod going to TV legend Jackie Gleeson as Minnesota Fats. The fat man didn't say much and wasn't on screen much at all. But he won it with "character" and style. His body language alone spoke a thousand words. Way cooler than Paul Newman, who was nominated for an Academy Award but didn't win until 25 years later in the Martin Scorsese/Tom Cruise sequel, "The Color of Money".

The relationship between Eddie and Sarah was doomed from the start. Both of them were severe alcoholics, and Eddie, a foredoomed gambler. In the end, Fast Eddie had his way on the pool table, but he had lost everything else in life. He had hit rock bottom and was about to be taken out by George C. Scott and his goons. But he surrendered his will, stood up for himself, and because of that, was allowed to walk away a winner. Even the vicious, dark-hearted Bert Gordon (Scott) felt remorse for what he did to the young couple, particularly Sarah's desperate little life.

This movie has some complex characters in it that belong in a 12-step program. It was depressing and dark. It isn't one of my favorite movies but it earned my respect.

4/5.