Steamy classic still holds up to this day!

Rating: 9/10 (28 April 2005)

Robert Rossen's "The Hustler" is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time, and I would eagerly agree. Although it may seem dated on first inspection, it still contains rather subtle (or not-so-subtle) elements of sex, alcoholism, violence and drug abuse -- although it doesn't "show" all of these things, it certainly implies it. "The Hustler" is one of the key films of the 1960s and paved the way for the controversial, mature cinema of the late 1960s and 1970s. In an era when color comedies starring Rock Hudson and Doris Day were flooding the cinemas, "The Hustler" -- shot in grim black-and-white -- carries an aroma of steamy sensuality and visual decadence that helps to retain its classic status to this day.
"The Hustler" follows the young "Fast" Eddie Felson (Paul Newman), a pro pool player renowned for never losing a game. When he goes up against Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason), his pride pays a price and he loses everything. Meanwhile he falls in love with the seductive Sarah (Piper Laurie), an addict who pulls Eddie down into her world. And he strikes a contract with the seedy manager Bert (George C. Scott) in order to regain his composure and take on Minnesota Fats again.
"The Hustler" follows the routine sports-film formula: Our hero loses, falls in love, trains again and goes up against the "villain" of the film (who, in this case, are probably two people -- Minnesota Fats AND George C. Scott). This approach can be seen in just about any sports film, particularly "Rocky" which would be released over a decade later.
But like "Rocky," at the core of "The Hustler" is an examination of a man, and not the sport. This is a character-driven piece that uses pool as a backdrop to the human conflict.
Fast Eddie Felson is one of cinema's deepest characters (his evolution in "Color of Money," based on his wisening experiences here, particularly satisfying and realistic). "The Hustler" portrays Fast Eddie before he matures into the older man we see in Martin Scorsese's belated sequel -- this is great because it only complements the story and character's continuation.
Some people have complained that the movie becomes too "bogged down" in its middle and focuses on the home-life of Fast Eddie with his girlfriend. Although I initially felt the same, and do feel it probably is a bit too long at times, it's important to remember that this is supposed to be a character study, not a sports film (as the DVD documentary claims many people misjudge it as).
As a sports-themed film, "The Hustler" is very good. As a character-driven motion picture, it is one of the best of its kind and a true classic with some of the most steamy b & w visuals ever captured on film. Highly recommended!