The Hustler (1961)

10 October 2019

I prefer older films because they stand the test of time. They also usually remind me of simpler times: no cell phones, no heavy computational processing, no analytical overhead, while keeping that practicality.

The Hustler (1961) is about a pool shark trying to get over his personal white whale. Paul Newman plays pool shark "Fast Eddie", and is trying to surpass the skill of "Minnesota Fats" (played by Jackie Gleason). It's a film that pulls on ego, truth,, and ultimately redemption. There could be political facets to the film as well, but that's harder for me to identify (director Rossen was blacklisted under McCarthyism and he ousted some people as communists).

Overall it's a solid film. Newman and Gleason steal the show of course, though George C. Scott also stood out as a sharp and devilish character playing both sides in the movie. It's a solid story, but on that can leave you feeling pretty down at the end. 7/10