Do The Hustle:  Newman Makes Fast Eddie Felson A Hollywood Legend . Let's face it, what can I possibly say about Robert Rossen's exquisitely hard-edged classic that hasn't been said before?  "The Hustler" is an astounding and uncompromising drama that seems as fresh today as it did 45 years ago.  So often we'll look back at the classics--and, as is appropriate, they might seem dated.  Times change and that is reflected in cinema.  "The Hustler," though, is one of the rare films that was so sophisticated, so intelligent, and so honestly raw--that its power has not been diminished by the years.  Set in a very unglamorous world of pool halls and back rooms, "The Hustler" is a testosterone fueled excursion into the life and pursuits of one of Hollywood's most notorious anti-heroes--Fast Eddie Felson.  Nominated for eight Oscars, this refreshingly adult film cemented Paul Newman's status as one of our greatest actors.    The story of "The Hustler" is surprisingly simplistic.  A brash young pool shark sets his sights on defeating one of the game's greatest players--Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason, at his best).  But getting up on Fats isn't enough--no, he wants to crush his opponent.  Eddie's naked and uncompromising drive eventually becomes his undoing as his winning streak turns to defeat.  Despondent and broke, Eddie aligns with an equally desperate love interest.  Sarah, played by Piper Laurie (never better), is a bitter alcoholic who has given up on life.  But her complicated romance with Eddie seems to hint at the possibility of new hope.  Eddie, however, can't change his spots overnight and an encounter with an unscrupulous manager (George C. Scott) just might get Eddie a second chance at Fats.  For good or for bad, it seems Eddie is destined to go down that road again.    Paul Newman imbues Eddie with much cockiness, bravado, arrogance, ambition, and even desperation.  In my opinion, it is Newman's best and most multi-layered performance.  This (along with "Hud") celebrated Newman as a new type of leading man--someone you could like and despise at once.  Morally questionable, perhaps even amoral at times, Newman was not afraid to be despicable.  While only Oscar nominated for this film, ironically he won roughly 25 years later for reprising Eddie for "The Color of Money."  Laurie, Scott, and Gleason all picked up Oscar nods as well.  The film is impeccably acted and beautifully filmed.  Not just for those with an interest in pool, "The Hustler" is a searing drama that stands as a deft character study of a man figuring out what is important after all.    While the Collector's Edition seems to be handsomely packaged as a two disc set, whether or not it's worth the upgrade from the Special Edition seems a bit suspect.  Both have widescreen presentation, commentary from Newman and "Time" film critic Richard Schickel (among others), and features on "How to Make The Shot" and "The Hustler: The Inside Story."  This new addition adds four featurettes--"Life in the Fast Lane: Fast Eddie Felson and The Search for Greatness," "Milestones in Cinema History: The Making of The Hustler," "Swimming with Sharks: The Art of the Hustle," and "Paul Newman: Hollywood's Cool Hand."  So it's a judgment call whether or not you feel these extra shorts will add to your viewing experience.  If you don't own the film, then it's a no-brainer!  Either way, "The Hustler" is a true classic.  One of Newman's best (if not best) performances make this gritty and timeless drama a must own DVD.  KGHarris, 04/07
Output: POS