Depressing

Rating: 7/10 (10 September 2009)

This film about a pool hustler features gritty cinematography and good acting. However, it is a depressing ode to gambling and drinking. The acting by Newman, Gleason, Laurie, and Scott is good but this is a tough movie to sit through, especially given its excessive length. Much of the film is devoted to the relationship between Newman and Laurie. The problem is that neither character is likable or interesting. He is basically an arrogant jerk. She is a depressed alcoholic with very low self-esteem. Rossen, a writer who directed only ten films, takes this material much too seriously. All the characters take turns giving their big speeches about life. It's no fun.