On H List of Movie Reviews
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The Hustler (1961)
Rate:
8
Viewed:
11/12
11/12:
The Hustler starts off well, has a flat middle, and ends the same way as the beginning.
The middle part is the big problem because it's boring to sit through, causing me to lose interest in the characters. By
the time Fast Eddie and his girlfriend leave the apartment for the Derby, the pace is finally picked up.
The performances by Piper Laurie (who didn't act again in the next fifteen years) and George C. Scott are excellent, being
the reason why the film is watchably good. Paul Newman is uneven: ranging from theatrical to good. He also shows off
Marlon Brando's
On the Waterfront/A Streetcar Named Desire persona. Thankfully, Newman would be more polished
by the time he starred in the sequel The Color of Money, winning the Oscar for Best Actor.
Although what seemed like a good acting job, Jackie Gleason, a legend in his own right, went by rep to nab the Oscar
nomination. The real Minnesota Fats stole the moniker from his character, not the other way around. Also, Jake LaMotta, the
Bronx Bull who's still alive today at the age of 91, has a cameo appearance by playing the bartender.
All in all, The Hustler is a decent picture.