The Color of Money

10/17/19861h 59m

Theatrical Release (US)

~ The Hustler isn't what he used to be. But he has the next best thing. A kid who is. ~

Overview:

Former pool hustler "Fast Eddie" Felson decides he wants to return to the game by taking a pupil. He meets talented but green Vincent Lauria and proposes a partnership. As they tour pool halls, Eddie teaches Vincent the tricks of scamming, but he eventually grows frustrated with Vincent's showboat antics, leading to an argument and a falling-out. Eddie takes up playing again and soon crosses paths with Vincent as an opponent.

Director:

Martin Scorsese

Status:

Released

Language:

English

Buget:

$13,800,000.00

Revenue:

$52,293,982.00

Key words:

sports
pool billiards
hustler
talent
inspirational
understated

Cast

Paul Newman

~ as ~

Eddie Felson

Tom Cruise

~ as ~

Vincent Lauria

Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio

~ as ~

Carmen

Helen Shaver

~ as ~

Janelle

John Turturro

~ as ~

Julian

Bill Cobbs

~ as ~

Orvis

Forest Whitaker

~ as ~

Amos

Keith McCready

~ as ~

Grady Seasons

Elizabeth Bracco

~ as ~

Diane at Bar

Vito D'Ambrosio

~ as ~

Lou in Child World

View full cast & crew

Reviews (1)

CinemaSerf
Written 3 year(s) ago
7
Following on from the enjoyable "Hustler" (1961), Paul Newman's "Eddie" takes the cocky but green pool player "Vincent" (Tom Cruise") under his wing so he can teach him how to win and to win big. Initially hostile to the idea, "Vincent" realises his opportunity and pretty quickly the pair are on a tour of the country's pool halls trying to raise enough money to stake their entry in a tournament of champions. Newman is on great form here. His portrayal of the formerly invincible player is strong and nuanced. He knows he is not as good as he once was, but is he now vicariously living through his protégé, or might this younger man galvanise him to raise his game one last time? Cruise is also good as the arrogant and cock-sure youngster and there is some considerable on-screen chemistry between the two as the story follows a not entirely unpredictable path. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio ("Carmen") and Helen Shaver ("Janelle") both contribute well as the girlfriends, the former trying to keep "Vincent" grounded, the latter trying to keep "Eddie" motivated, and as they travel we get a sense of a building reliance and animosity between the two that can only lead to fuses blowing. John Tarturro and Forest Whitaker both offer us timely contributions that demonstrate to both men their failings and opportunities along the way, too. The dialogue is strong, potent and sparing - Newman still uses his expressions well and the pace of the story builds really effectively. Two hours just fly by before an ending that I really thought a bit of a tease. What ever happened to the "Color of Money 2"?