Hustler

Year: 1961

Grade: B-

Country: USA

Director: Rossen

Review

newman’s performance is very good, but i don’t know that it’s as good as his more sympathetic performance in cool hand luke. i wonder if “sorry charlie” comes from this film.

one of the notable things about this film is how raw it is, especially for the time. the relationship between newman and laurie is one of mutual depravity and alcoholism.

the pool scenes are accurate enough for most viewers, though not entirely authentic. they did, however, do quite a good job of training newman and gleason. both of them pass as real pool players and that’s essential to the film’s success.
george c. scott is vicious and looks like johnny cash (mostly because of his slicked back black hair).

reminded me most of cincinnati kid. though this is a better film i think i liked the former more.