Scorcese and Newman hustle pays off

Rating: 10/10 (31 December 2009)

Film maestro Martin Scorcese will be remembered in years to come for his gangster films, but The Color Of Money is right up there with his best offerings and is a classic film. It centres on Paul Newman reprising his role of 'Fast' Eddie Felson that he originally undertook in 1961 for The Hustler. Only this time Felson has found a sensational new protégé in Vincent Lauria, played by Tom Cruise. Quite simply, the film is magnificent, especially the first half, with Newman in blistering, Oscar-winning form. Nobody plays boozy anti-heroes quite like Newman, only this time Felson is well off and affluent and is living a comfortable life as a liquor seller. Interestingly as well, Cruise is fabulous, and this is about the last movie he made before he became an overnight sensation and international megastar. But you can see his talent in every scene, and he bounces off Newman's brilliance with ease. Cruise's talent is that he makes his schoolboy-immature character of Vincent ultimately likable, displaying his vulnerabilities. Some of Newman's lines in the opening hour are classics, and Scorcese's constant use of zoom in close ups is beguiling rather than irritating. The film is also tremendously lit, and some of the seedy pool halls are gloriously presented. A masterclass from all concerned, and this film is one of the best movies ever made.