The Hustler

"This is a damn great character study. It smartly uses pool as an allegory about ego and self-destruction. A sturdy screenplay, along with fantastic performances. Paul Newman is hands down the MVP of this film as Fast Eddie Felson (a well deserved nomination for him), with Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie, George C. Scott, and Myron McCormick also being great. The direction by Robert Rossen is also strong, who makes the character interactions the most interesting aspect of the film (even if the movie is slow paced just a tad). Highly recommended. P.S.: While I have seen the sequel to this film (THE COLOR OF MONEY) a few years ago, this only makes me want to rewatch it with proper context now. I find it incredibly interesting that Paul’s long overdue Oscar came for the sequel instead. Fun fact: Paul Newman is one of only 6 people to receive 2 acting nominations for the same character (nominated for both this and THE COLOR OF MONEY), and he is one of only 2 to actually win one of those specific nominations (the other was Bing Crosby, who won for GOING MY WAY and was nominated for the same character again for THE BELLS OF ST. MARY’S the next year)."

"Timeless classic. Paul Newman is always a knockout, that's a given - but Piper Laurie will break your heart, she is so sublime"

"Classic movie! Great cast Paul Newman & Jackie Gleason are the stars. Can’t go wrong with this movie. "

"Watch the color of money after for 30 year later follow up and Newman’s Oscar."