Truth and Spectacle= The Hustler

I just finished watching a movie so moving and enjoyable that I thought I'd write you about it... The Hustler. You know how sometimes (especially today's movies) movies will be pretty good, and you're enjoying it but the film makers don't know how to end the picture so there's some kind of forced tacked on ending that ends up ruining the whole movie? (This movie doesn't do that... and in general knowing how to end a movie, is the primary difference between a classic film (one that will stand the test of time) and a forgettable picture). Anyway, this movie The Hustler is the best romantic, dramatic, comedy, sports, indie flick I've ever seen. It has a bit of everything in it... Pool is merely the backdrop of the film, it's not truly a sports movie... it's a character study. Four characters make up this movie: A hot headed pool shark, a lovely girl with her share of failings and foibles in life, a shrewd businessman who is too smart for his own good, and a rival pool master, who's less villainous than one might think. The skill with which these characters were played is a testament to how great this movie is. Paul Newman, Piper Laurie, George C. Scott and Jackie Gleason act their brains out in this movie. Much credit goes to Sidney Carroll and Robert Rossen for writing such great words for people to say...

It's rare that I watch a movie and fall in love with the female lead... (I easily fall in infatuation with an actress) but once in a blue moon, I see a character and the actress who plays her, and I think that I would marry that girl. Sarah Parker, played by Piper Laurie is such a character... her relationship with Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) is beautiful. They're so cute and smart and funny and real together.

The Hustler, is eerily reminiscent of Billy Wilder’s brilliant film The Apartment.
The most refreshing thing about both films is the characters aren't perfect. They're like you and me; they're broken people, who can't do life on their own. They're interdependent upon each other. This quality in film, is one I can very much appreciate, because it rings true.

One of the reasons I love independent films (or “low budget” movies) is because they're full of great dialogue that echoes the real world. The characters are more than stock characters, they’re brought to life by good writing and good performances. This movie plays like a Hollywood blockbuster but is in truth an "indie" pic. It's when you fool the people into think that they're watching "spectacle" and you give them "truth". That’s when you can make the most impact. This movie succeeds overwhelmingly. I didn't know what to expect from it, and when it was over I left a changed person. I have a different view of myself, a new view of love, and what a success is. The Hustler, who knew it, would change my life? You all should see it and we'll discuss... Truth and Spectacle Style. (blim blam)

Thanks for reading,
dre :)