If you read the synopsis that accompanies the product listing for this DVD, you won't need me to tell you that the movie is about professional pool players in the USA. A breed we here in the UK know little about.
Although this film is obviously an early vehicle for the blossoming acting skills of a talented young actor called Tom Cruise, the central storyline relies heavily on the viewer having seen his co-star Paul Newman's B&W classic "The Hustler". Without an understanding of the character Newman played in that film, it can be difficult at times to see where his and Cruise's characters are is coming from in this sequel.
For those of you who have never seen The Hustler, may I recommend it to you as as fine an example of tour de force acting as you will ever come across. In it Newman is the rookie pool player, and actor, who in both guises finds himself out of his league, but with so much raw talent that he almost beats everyone, including then superstar George C. Scott, at their own game. He's the archetypal 'Angry Young Man' whose naive arrogance gives him on the one hand the will to battle against insurmountable odds, and on the other the total inability to see the dangers of believing in yourself too much.
Fast forward 20 years and here's Newman again as the same character (Eddie Felson), but this time much more world weary and no longer so confident. Into his life wanders Vincent (Cruise), an itinerant young pool hustler, whose talent and arrogance are more than a match for his own youthful self. Felson seizes the opportunity to use the Kid to make money and just maybe to fulfil some of the ambitions he failed to do so himself.
The mix of a cleverly studied performance by Newman and the fresh vibrant energy of Cruise makes for a heady brew and scintillating exchanges between the two leads. Injected between them is a solid portrayal by Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio of a slick, business minded groupie using both of them to her own ends. The group dynamic is fragile and always on the edge. As the viewer you know at any moment it will shatter, but the script never gives away where the pieces will fall.
Martin Scorcese directs with a remarkably deft hand for a change, coaxing far more out of these performers than he normally gets from his New York company stalwarts, such as DeNiro. The combination of East and West coast talents seems to work in favour of the film as a whole.
The script by Richard Price is wonderful, packed with pithy dialog and nice touches of humour, and despite its seemingly banal sporting topic the pace is relentless.
Shot without the usual Hollywood gloss, the cinematography feels realistic and adds weight to the excellent characterisations and ghetto like locations. The choice of locations accurately mirrors the tone of the script giving a sense that the character's occupation is that of a best-ignored underclass.
If you haven't seen this movie before and prefer acting to action, this is a must see.
As for the DVD itself, you get the movie in widescreen of course, but not much else. The age of this movie means you are not going to have to wade through hours of outtakes, making of features, star interviews, ad nauseam.
What you do get is a few trailers, some production notes and scene access. That's it.
The obvious question is would I buy the DVD?
The simple answer is NO.
The movie can be seen regularly on any of a dozen TV channels, so unless you like collecting DVD cases, there is no other reason to part with your money, whatever color it is.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 1995 - Drama - Director: Ang Lee - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal - Starring: Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Greg Wise, Hugh Laurie, Robert Hardy
Production Year: 2004 - Drama - Director: Nick Cassavetes - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, 12 years and over - Starring: Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling, Gena Rowlands
Production Year: 1995 - Drama - Director: Ang Lee - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal - Starring: Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, Greg Wise, Hugh Laurie, Robert Hardy
A very amusing last paragraph. You sum this up nicely, I saw this at the pictures when it came out. Normally I hate anything with Cruise in it but this was better than the usual ones of his and Newman is very good.
habitualdamnation 09.07.2005 04:39
you have demonstrated great understanding in consumer behaviour by reviewing this with various consumer types in mind. well done!
Martin Scorcese handles directing duties in this 1986 sequel to the classic 1961 filmThe ... more
Hustler, which marks the return of Paul Newman to the role of pool shark Fast Eddie Felson. Anxious to break into the big time again, Eddie finds a talented protég...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Paul Newman and Tom Cruise, two of Hollywood's hottest stars, ignite the screen in this ... more
powerful drama. Brilliantly directed by Martin Scorsese, Newman recreates one of his most memorable roles from The Hustler.As Fast Eddie Felson, he still believes t...
Martin Scorcese handles directing duties in this 1986 sequel to the classic 1961 filmThe ... more
Hustler, which marks the return of Paul Newman to the role of pool shark Fast Eddie Felson. Anxious to break into the big time again, Eddie finds a talented protég...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Paul Newman and Tom Cruise two of Hollywood's hottest stars ignite the screen in this ... more
powerful drama. Brilliantly directed by Martin Scorsese Newman recreates one of his most memorable roles from The Hustler. As fast Eddie Felson he still believes ...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Advantages: Newman and Cruise Disadvantages: Slightly predictable story
christianfilmcritic 21.02.2006 (21.02.2006)
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Advantages: Newman and Cruise Disadvantages: Slightly predictable story
christianfilmcritic 21.02.2006 (21.02.2006)
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Advantages: leads straight on from where the last finished. No missed bits !! Disadvantages: due to the low-budget, and date of this film, picture isnt as good
VampirePrincessLizzy 09.02.2006 ·
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![The Color Of Money [DVD] [1987]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78542015.jpg "The Color Of Money [DVD] [1987]")
Jul 8th, 2005
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