Another rave

Rating: 9/10 (2 August 2000)

Part of me thought that black and white Cinemascope was a good idea - in general it's not a BAD idea, given Cinemascope - and part of me thought that Robert Rossen needed his head examined. The film is about a POOL hustler. All those coloured balls moving around at key moments, and he goes and shoot in black and white! Not that the camera ever really focuses on the pool table; and, to be sure, the camera's casual attitude to the game itself feels surprisingly apt. Anyway, it's a bit rich MY complaining. I didn't do my homework. I know only vaguely the difference between pool and billiards - although I'm still not sure what constitutes success in the latter - and I wouldn't have a clue how either of them differs from snooker. For all I know pool IS snooker, under another name. I don't think my ignorance was a problem. "The Hustler" offers a satisfying story told at a satisfying length: two and a quarter hours spent on a simple fable, yet the narrative looks and feels pared to the bone. It's amazing what some people can draw with a minimum of line. Take the scene where Eddie meets Sarah for the first time (although I could have chosen almost any scene) - so little is said and yet the lines are perfectly placed just so, giving us a sketch full of detail. With this kind of perfection it's impossible to know whether to credit the acting, the script, the direction, or all three - not that it matters.