Enjoyable experience

Rating: 7/10 (25 September 2017)

"The Color of Money" stars Paul Newman as Fast Eddie Felson, an experienced snooker player who leads his protégé, Vincent Lauria, played by a young Tom Cruise, to the wonders of pool hustling.
Beware of your expectations. If it was directed by a newcomer or an unknown, this movie would pass as enjoyable and above-average. When one finds out, however, that Martin Scorsese is behind the cameras, that is not enough. Consequently, the overall result is a tad frustrating. Scorsese, here, is a victim of his own success.
Arguably, this is one of Scorsese's most conventional movies. For a start, the plot is disappointingly predictable. From the very beginning, we are able to foretell that Felson would pick Vincent as his protégé, that they would eventually split up, and that the two of them would have their final showdown. By the way, that last aspect is what keeps the audience invested through the whole movie. Precisely because of that, the ending is frustrating. Albeit Scorsese's intention is evident, I'm pretty sure the public would opt for a different finale.
Having said that, these downsides don't prevent the movie from being a pleasure ride and from leaving a good impression. Newman, Cruise, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio (who plays Claire, Vincent's girlfriend) all deliver fascinating performances - especially Newman, whose work granted him his only Oscar.
The movie also benefits from a well-constructed character development, as all the main personalities include confidence, vulnerability, and reluctance. Felsen is a shrewd, charming, and strategist man, which contrasts with his late lack of confidence, frustration and lost of control. In turn, Vincent is at the same time tender, cocky, and impulsive - carpe diem seems to be his tacit motto. Finally, Mastrantonio's Claire is enigmatic and enticing, with a strong personality and an intriguing background.
The technical issues are also worth praising. Scorsese's good taste when it comes to music is there. The camera-work and editing are unsurprisingly excellent, as that's where lies more vividly the director's touch.
"The Color of Money" doesn't rank among Scorsese's best works, but it is still worth watching. Apart from its predictability and the lack of a decent payoff, the movie offers great interpretations and riveting characters.
Vote: 7,5.