mischaracterization of Eddie.

Rating: 10/10 (23 May 2005)

Although the above review is on point in many ways, referring to Eddie Felson as a "born loser" is missing the point of the film. Even before the finale, Eddie experiences the type of glory that few (probably including the above poster) experience in life because he knows he's the best pool shooter/"hustler" around. Eddie knows this subconsciously and that is why he expresses such confidence as telling Fats that he's the best Fats ever saw and that even if Fats beats him, Eddie's still the best. As Sarah points out to Eddie in their touching picnic scene, Eddie's a "winner" because most people never get to experience that type of confidence. Eddie doesn't have to "own things" to be a winner -- he's a winner because of his talent.