Bitter character study of two outsiders

Rating: Null/10 (11 May 2008)

I've heard people calling "The Hustler" the "best sports movie ever", and although the movie has some fascinating pool-playing scenes for the fans of the game, it hits me as, above all, a gripping character study. Paul Newman's Fast Eddie Felson is as brilliant at his game as he is self-destructive. His relationship with a loving but troubled woman (Piper Laurie) is shattered by Eddie's cross: ambition and love of the game over other important life decisions. Newman and Laurie deliver outstanding performances as always (the scene when they meet for the first time is classic); Jackie Gleason and George S. Scott (all of them were Oscar nominated) are not much behind. From Felson to "Hud" to "Cool Hand Luke", Paul Newman made a career of brilliant outsiders. With his stunning beauty, he could have been just another leading man from Hollywood's Golden Age, but he went beyond. Newman's one of the few stars that had (wait, he still has!) it all: an amazing talent, beauty, charisma, and integrity. "The Hustler" is one of the big screen legend's finest moments; don't miss it. 10/10.