A Perfect Slow Burning Character Study

Rating: 9/10 (14 December 2005)

I will start by saying I am a long-time avid pool player and gambler, and I hold movies of this genre to extremely high standards. The sole reason I cannot give it 10 stars is due to a huge number of inconsistencies as far as balls on the table changing positions during a scene, and a few examples of positional play that pros would never, ever make. The movie did highly disappoint in this aspect.
Nitpicking aside, this movie is a phenomenal character study, and VERY underrated. It is an absolute masterpiece so full of subtext that it deserves multiple viewings.
The basic plot is already well outlined in the other user comments, so I'll skip that. The performance by Paul Newman is probably his very best. Tom Cruise is perfect, Mastrantonio is perfect, and the supporting cast is perfect.
The atmosphere in all the pool halls is quite authentic- the actors and director certainly did their research. The various gambling scenarios and character reactions are very reasonable representations of what actually might happen.
Newman is controlled, prowling, and genuine- every line he delivers holds just enough back to make you realize there's more to what he's saying than the words. Watch his body language for a real lesson in acting. He keeps all the confidence from his role in The Hustler, tempered with wisdom of age and experience, and he is 100% believable. His transition from burned-out liquor hustler to rediscovering his passion for pool hustling is inevitable, calculated, saddening, and joyful all at once.
There's not much to say about the two lovers- they are perfectly convincing and masterful as well. No complaints. They are always there, always entertaining and filled with tension, but they let Fast Eddie steal the spotlight, because this movie is really about him.
I especially like the lighting and the camera angles. They capture the mood in just the right way without drawing away your attention.
It's hard to compare this with The Hustler, which I would also give 9/10. There are SO many unspoken nods to The Hustler that I was smiling all the time. Pay attention to The Hustler a couple times, and then watch this movie- you'll see what I mean.
Watch it, and don't expect everything to be obvious. You have to engage this movie and listen carefully to really understand the characters. Vincent's character is pretty obvious, cause he's written as a pretty obvious guy, but everyone else is deep and not so easily revealed (unlike almost every other movie ever made).
Great stuff- check it out if you appreciate this type of film- it's the sleeper hit of the decade.