Review of The Hustler (1961) by Filippo C — 25 Nov 2008
Forget all the pool playing crap and just look at the "relationship" between Eddie Felson and Sarah Packard-the alcoholic,limping college girl who goes to college 'cause she has nothing better to do on Tuesdays and Thursdays.Apparantly Sarah was to be have been played by Kim Novak and that would have opened a whole basket full of new therapy for me-as im in love/lust with Ms.Novak c.1957.
Its not a great movie,but its a great central performance by Newman.I can never understand how Somebody Up There Likes Me(56) made him a star,but I do understand how Cat On A Hot Tin Roof(58) and this established him as a fine actor.
As Sarah says not too long before she kicks the big one (spoiler,sorry!) the world is "perverted,twisted and crippled" too true...
Gleason can't/doesn't act-but I have a feeling he's playing how he would like to see himself-in his super inflated ego and Bert Gordon is an interesting portrayl by an interesting,if not screwed up actor.
If youre interested in more of director Robert Rossen's work,All The Kings Men is worthy and Lilith is wickedly effed up.
This review of The Hustler (1961) was written by Filippo C on 25 Nov 2008.
The Hustler has generally received very positive reviews.
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