The Hustler (1961)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Chris W

  
  This is an absolutely brilliant character study. Much like Raging Bull, this is not really about the game or sport highlighted in the film. In this case, pool is merely the backdrop for a finely observed portrait of honor, humanity, greed, determination, loss, and consequences. The… More
  This is an absolutely brilliant character study. Much like Raging Bull, this is not really about the game or sport highlighted in the film. In this case, pool is merely the backdrop for a finely observed portrait of honor, humanity, greed, determination, loss, and consequences. The black and white photography looks absolutely gorgeous, creating a captivating atmosphere. The editing is well executed also, featuring a mix of dissolves, wipes, hard cuts, and brilliant intercutting that really elevates the tension during the game scenes. The music is also quite wonderful- nice jazz music that really brings the themes, characters, and situations to life: really timeless stuff. While all of the performances are absolutely perfect, this is truly Paul Newman's film. Gleason exudes a calm, yet menacing wisdom, Scott nails the greedy soulless vulture role (and keeps it from being cliched), Laurie gives a deep and heartbreaking performances as the moral center, and McCormick is also great as the old friend, mentor, and partner who really was a better fit than he got credit for. As I said though, this is Newman's film. This is one of those performances that will truly stick out in history, and that's saying a lot considering some of his other great roles. Newman is sharp, charming, and someone you care for, despite his flaws, no matter how big they are. His redemption is earned, although it comes at a terribly high price. I can't recommend this enough. I'm sure it already gets studied enough in film classes across the country (and rightly so), but the attention paid to it wll never be undeserved. As a bit of closing trivia, besides the earlier reference to Raging Bull, here's some more. Now, everyone probably knows that both Raging Bull and The Color of Money (the sequel to The Hustler) were directed by Martin Scorsese, but how about this one: Jake LaMotta appears in a cameo in this film as one of the bartenders-that's great.

• xGary X

  
  When a brash young pool shark is handed a lesson in humility by the accepted best in the business, he teams up with an amoral gambler to challenge for a rematch. The Hustler is to pool what Raging Bull was to boxing and it is clear that Scorsese was influenced by this film when he… More
  When a brash young pool shark is handed a lesson in humility by the accepted best in the business, he teams up with an amoral gambler to challenge for a rematch. The Hustler is to pool what Raging Bull was to boxing and it is clear that Scorsese was influenced by this film when he made it (Jake LaMotta, the subject of Raging Bull, even appears in a small role). It's a story of emptiness in victory, as Fast Eddie learns that pride and self respect are not the same thing. His clashes with his financial backer, brilliantly played by George C. Scott, are by far the best parts of the film as he realises that a relentless pursuit of the win removes all the joy from and appreciation for the game he loves. It's beautifully shot, perfectly played and intelligently written but I'd have to say the unremittingly dour and earnest approach makes it rather hard going to the point that by the end I wanted to open my veins myself. Technically flawless but about as much fun as sitting through a tax audit at your mother's funeral.

• AJ V

  
  Sure, Newman is a pretty good actor, but the movie itself is too slow and boring for me, plus it's about pool, which isn't a very exciting sport anyway. If you like sports movies you'll have a higher opinion of this movie than me, I suppose. Overall, it's an okay… More
  Sure, Newman is a pretty good actor, but the movie itself is too slow and boring for me, plus it's about pool, which isn't a very exciting sport anyway. If you like sports movies you'll have a higher opinion of this movie than me, I suppose. Overall, it's an okay movie, I just don't care for it.

• Conner R

  
  A classic in every sense of the word and one of my favorite movies. Paul Newman was flawless and created such an iconic role, Fast Eddie Felson. The film-making is flawless and the script is air tight. What I also love about it is the ability it has to juggle… More
  A classic in every sense of the word and one of my favorite movies. Paul Newman was flawless and created such an iconic role, Fast Eddie Felson. The film-making is flawless and the script is air tight. What I also love about it is the ability it has to juggle comedy/romance/drama/tragedy all in one without catching you off guard.

• Anthony L

  
  Beautifully filmed and with wonderful performances by Newman, C. Scott and Laurie. Classic American Cinema that's hard to beat!

• Lady D

  
  Not quite the film, I had anticipated. I had to watch it in three stages through boredom. There were likable qualities and the actual storyline, I think works well, yet it failed to impress me.

• Tim S

  
  Phenomenal film. My favorite Newman performance that I have seen. His speech with Laurie about being good at something is one of the best monologues delivered perfectly. I loved the entire film and everything about it. Piper Laurie is great and I loved their scenes together. (Her… More
  Phenomenal film. My favorite Newman performance that I have seen. His speech with Laurie about being good at something is one of the best monologues delivered perfectly. I loved the entire film and everything about it. Piper Laurie is great and I loved their scenes together. (Her demise is devestating.) Jackie Gleason just oozes cool, but my favorite co-star is George C. Scott who is phenomenal. One of the best movies that I have ever seen.

• Pierluigi P

  
  The irrational stubbornness of Eddie Felson takes him to a downward spiral from where he will dream with a second chance to accomplish his only goal in life, but to do that he will shake hands with the devil in a -soul for glory- exchange. Eventually, even greater odds will give Eddie… More
  The irrational stubbornness of Eddie Felson takes him to a downward spiral from where he will dream with a second chance to accomplish his only goal in life, but to do that he will shake hands with the devil in a -soul for glory- exchange. Eventually, even greater odds will give Eddie irreparable blows, taking him to finally understand the character that takes to function, both in the pool table as in his broken-down life. At the end he gets what he desired the most, full field his dream on the pool table, but he paid the most terrible price for it. Paul Newman gives an outstanding performance as the young, talented, arrogant and uncontrollable pool player 'Fast' Eddie Felson, a tragic figure who succumbs to the machinations of money and success and will find comfort in the company of Sarah, his lonely and handicapped girlfriend, also brilliantly played by Piper Laurie, the only person who truly loves Eddie and looks after him regardless of anything. Robert Rossen's writing (with Sidney Carroll and adapting Walter Tevis novel) and direction, Eugen Schüfftan's cinematography and Dede Allen's montage are the pillars that achieve the film's austere atmosphere, a rare blend of extreme pessimism and lyrical quality; a risky vital quest, the frailness and futility of human existence and the brief sense of liberation given by alcohol; mixed up feelings intensified by the incredible performances of the two leads and a pair of equally great co-stars, Jackie Gleason and George C. Scott. A masterpiece of profound significance.

• Saskia D

  
  Great chemistry between Eddie (Newman) and Sarah (Laurie), very convincing. Sarah slurred her way into my heart without any effort, I'd really like to see more of her. Fast Eddie, you can charm your way into my game anytime ;) <div style="width:460px;"><a… More
  Great chemistry between Eddie (Newman) and Sarah (Laurie), very convincing. Sarah slurred her way into my heart without any effort, I'd really like to see more of her. Fast Eddie, you can charm your way into my game anytime ;) <div style="width:460px;"><a href="http://www.flixster.com/servlet/embed/photo/link/9478641"><img src="http://www.flixster.com/servlet/embed/photo/9478641.jpg" border="0"/></a><div style="text-align:center;font-size:10px;"><a href="http://www.flixster.com">

• danny d

  
  for some reason i found the first half of this film slow and i was ready to not like it. by the end i had absolutely fallen in love with it. first of all, the cinematography was astounding, some of the best i had ever seen. Almost every shot in the film could be taken as a still… More
  for some reason i found the first half of this film slow and i was ready to not like it. by the end i had absolutely fallen in love with it. first of all, the cinematography was astounding, some of the best i had ever seen. Almost every shot in the film could be taken as a still and hung on a wall as art. it was perfectly shot. newmans acting was amazing so its no wonder that this film is the one that took him from star to superstar in the movie world. and again, while the plot took time to pick up steam, by the end you can see how nearly perfect this story is. a truly great film and near masterpiece that deserved each of its 9 oscar nominations.

• Alice S

  
  Paul Newman is so indescribably sexy. Movie is epitome of cool. A little slow through the middle and I thought, "Someone better die at the end." And someone did! Perverted TWISTED Crippled...

• Dean M

  
  This film may well contain Paul Newman's best screen performance. As pool shark Eddie Felson, he's magnificent.

• Michael G

  
  Overrated and depressing.

• Al S

  
  A masterpiece. Newman gives his best performance ever. A marvelous film.

• ashley h

  
  Very slow but an interesting movie.

• Mike T

  
  There are two bold standouts that make this film work as well as it does - the charisma of Paul Newman and the skillful direction of Robert Rossen. The dialogue is as sleek as the photography in this film, and its storyline works well as a platform for character exploration.

• Anastasia B

  
  Quite a bit heavy-handed on the drama, but hey, it was the early 60s. Jackie Gleason looks a bit like Orson Welles in the Touch of Evil, with a carnation on his lapel. Paul Newman delivers, and Piper Laurie stands her ground. George C. Scott provides the necessary counter-balance.… More
  Quite a bit heavy-handed on the drama, but hey, it was the early 60s. Jackie Gleason looks a bit like Orson Welles in the Touch of Evil, with a carnation on his lapel. Paul Newman delivers, and Piper Laurie stands her ground. George C. Scott provides the necessary counter-balance. More of a morality tale, rather than a film about playing pool. Still worths a watch. Can't really see why it's in IMDB's top 250, though.

• Brian R

  
  A great film by Robert Rossen who seems to have a knack for the game of pool hustling and dingy drinking bars. Paul Newman plays the unforgettable Eddie Felson who challenges the dangerous yet brilliant pool hustler Minnesota Fats(Jackie Gleason) A must see for pool fans.

• Chosen 7

  
  Great film, superb performances.

• Jonny C

  
  The Hustler is about young pool shark Fast Eddie Felson, who's immaturity and self-destructive character stand in his way of success. The Hustler although quite depressing and at times slow, has powerful performances, great photography, and is well directed by Robert Rossen. Paul… More
  The Hustler is about young pool shark Fast Eddie Felson, who's immaturity and self-destructive character stand in his way of success. The Hustler although quite depressing and at times slow, has powerful performances, great photography, and is well directed by Robert Rossen. Paul Newman was always great at playing unlikeable characters, and deserved a lot more recognition in his early career for his acting, rather than his good looks. Overall I prefer it's sequel The Color of Money, as it's a lot more lighthearted, with a lot more pool hall action.

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