The Color of Money (1986)

Fast Eddie Felson teaches a cocky but immensely talented protégé the ropes of pool hustling, which in turn inspires him to make an unlikely comeback.

Director:

Martin Scorsese

Writers:

Walter Tevis (novel), Richard Price (screenplay)

Stars:

Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio

Won 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Paul Newman	...	Eddie
Tom Cruise	...	Vincent
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio	...	Carmen
Helen Shaver	...	Janelle
John Turturro	...	Julian
Bill Cobbs	...	Orvis
Robert Agins	...	Earl at Chalkie's
Alvin Anastasia	...	Kennedy
Randall Arney	...	Child World Customer #1
Elizabeth Bracco	...	Diane at Bar
Vito D'Ambrosio	...	Lou at Child World
Ron Dean	...	Guy in Crowd
Lisa Dodson	...	Child World Customer #2
Donald A. Feeney	...	Referee #1
Paul Geier	...	Two Brothers / Stranger Player

Storyline

Pool hustler Fast Eddie Felson finds the young, promising pool player Vincent in a local bar and he sees in him a younger version of himself. To try and make it as in the old days, Eddie offers to teach Vincent how to be a hustler. After some hesitations Vincent accepts and Eddie takes him and Vincent's girlfriend Carmen on a tour through the country to work the pool halls. However, Vincent's tendency to show off his talent and by doing so warning off the players and losing money, soon leads to a confrontation with Eddie.

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Plot Keywords:

female nudity | scantily clad female | blue panties | white panties | free spirit | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Drama | Sport

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio and Martin Scorsese share the same birthday (November 17th).

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Goofs

In the scene where they park the car just before going into the abandoned pool hall. They walk across the street to get to the pool hall, but when they walk back to the car they are exiting a building on the same side of the street as their car.

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Quotes

Vincent Lauria: I think maybe the money's what's throwing you off here today.

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Crazy Credits

Dog Walkby (Zoe)

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Connections

Referenced in The Directors: The Films of Martin Scorsese (2000)

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Soundtracks

It's My Life Baby
Written by Don D. Robey (as Don Robey) and Fats Washington (as Ferdinand "Fats" Washington)
Performed by Eric Clapton and The Big Town Playboys

User Reviews

Paul Newman Racks One Up

Older, wiser ex-pool hustler Paul Newman (as "Fast" Eddie Felson) spots younger, dumber pool playing fanatic Tom Cruise (as Vincet Lauria). Mr. Newman sees in Mr. Cruise the same ability he once possessed. Newman thinks, however, Cruise is a "flake". He decides to teach Cruise the tricks of the pool-hustling trade, make lots of money, and bring him to the BIG pool playing tournament in Atlantic City. BUT, the ex-champ and protégée have problems, and split up. Newman gets a new pair of eyeglasses, and decides to re-enter the game. Who do you think he meets during the ending tournament?

Most obvious strength is Newman's excellent portrayal; the entire film rests on his characterization, and his expertly delivers the goods. Newman either inspires, or allows everyone else to shine on their own; at least, that's what comes across on screen. Newman is a marvelous actor. Cruise wisely plays his part not as a younger version of Paul Newman, but as a unique, naive character, with similar pool table expertise. May Elizabeth Mastrantonio (as Carmen) has a choice role as Cruise's accompanying girlfriend. Watch for a great scene wherein Newman shows he understands women as well as he does pool.

The movie doesn't seem very realistic, after the three get going. The barrooms and pool halls are surprisingly smoke-free. Perhaps, director Martin Scorsese was portending a "smoking ban". The soundtrack music is too good, in most instances; sadly, there are no cheap jukeboxes playing awful oldies. Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London" is an exception; it is a good song, and is used very well in the film. No balls jump off the table (or anywhere); it's a tight, professional picture. And, Martin Scorsese, Paul Newman, and Tom Cruise are certainly an irresistible box office hustle.

******* The Color of Money (1986) Martin Scorsese ~ Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, May Elizabeth Mastrantonio

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

17 October 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Hustler; 8-Ball

Filming Locations:

Navy Pier - 600 E. Grand Avenue, Near North Side, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$13,800,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$6,357,877, 19 October 1986

Gross USA:

$52,293,982

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$52,293,982

Company Credits

Production Co:

Touchstone Pictures, Silver Screen Partners II

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Dolby (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1