Worth it just for Newman's Performance

Rating: 9/10 (31 July 2002)

"The Hustler" is a truly great movie not because it is filled with outstanding performances, exciting pool scenes, and beautiful cinematography, but because of its depth as a character study. The story is of 'Fast' Eddie Felson (Paul Newman), one of the truly memorable characters in American film history. He is a pool hustler, living off money he conned out of others. He challenges Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason), who is managed by the cold Bert Gordon (George C. Scott). When he loses, he falls into a pit of anger and internal suffering. He meets Sarah Packard (Piper Laurie), an alcoholic cripple, who he lives with in his misery. He goes on like this, driven only by his desire to defeat Fats.
The movie shines in its character development, which is boosted by incredible performances from Newman, Gleason, Scott, and Laurie. The story is about selfishness, greed, and the desire to win. Gordon tells Felson he is a loser, who lacks character. Throughout the story, Felson comes to realize just what the cost of his lack of character amounts to.
The lighting and camerawork are first rate, capturing the atmosphere of the pool halls and bars beautifully. The setting lends itself to the story, which happens to be about pool but could really be about any form of hustling. The dark, dreary halls are a perfect setting for the lowlifes like Gordon, who make their money off the suffering of others, to exist in.
Even if you don't like pool, this movie is a must see for two reasons: Newman's performance, and the fact that you won't find a better character study anywhere.