May. 04, 2003 - 3:15 pm

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The Hustler (1961)

i've ended up watching so many Paul Newman movies lately. it's definitely Greg's influence. he loves Paul Newman movies. but this has got to be one of his best. he was flawless in this film. it was nominated for 9 Oscars in 1962 and won 2 of them. the film is also currently number 136 on the IMDb's top 250 list of films.

well, it got nominated for Best Picture so that means what? you guessed it. it's a biographical film and a true story. it's about 'Fast' Eddie Felson, a pool hustler from Oakland, California who comes to town to take on one of the pool icons of the time, Minnesota Fats. Eddie's one of the best players around, but he has an incredibly hot head and has a great many faults. as the film progresses, he meets an amazing woman who he falls in love with, but his gambling problems and willingness to throw it all away on the game threatens to destroy their lives.

i loved Piper Laurie in this. her character, Sarah, is another one of those types of people that i didn't know could exist. (see also La Strada (1954).) she at times seems without emotion or expression, but at others is so loving and tender. she's strong and confident but also weak and damaged. i guess like all truly great performances, it can't be done justice by putting it into words. you have to physically see it for yourself. the cast of this film is really just amazing overall. it also includes Walter C. Scott and Jackie Gleason who both do glorious jobs.

i'm amazed at myself that i've run out of things to say about this film. i mean i am giving it a 9/10 which is fairly irregular. i guess it's just a bad night for me and typing. or maybe i'm tired. yeah, that's it. well anyway, watch this. you have to.