THE COLOR OF MONEY

US, 1986, 119 minutes, Colour.
Paul Newman, Ton Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Helen Shaver, John Turturro.
Directed by Martin Scorsese.

The Color of Money is, in some ways, a sequel to the 1961 The Hustler, directed by Robert Rossen.

It is said that the only thing in common is the character of Eddie Falson played by Paul Newman. However, the origin of the film is attributed to the author Walter Tevis, author of both books. However, the character of Vincent (played by Tom Cruise) is introduced into the film and does not appear in the novel. This means that the theme of The Colour of Money is very similar to that of The Hustler, the young pool player and the worldly-wise adviser.

The film is strongly acted, with Paul Newman winning an Oscar for his performance. It marked the emergence of Tom Cruise as a significant actor (Rain Man, Born on the Fourth of July). Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is also a strong presence.

The film was directed by Martin Scorsese and was well received.

The film has a great detail of pool games and playing and may be somewhat monotonous for those not familiar with or not interested in the game. However, there is strong interaction among the characters.

1.The status of The Hustler? A sequel coming a quarter of a century later? The time span in Eddie Falson's life? The Paralleling of the two films? Themes and setting?

2.The quality of the acting, Paul Newman and his Oscar, the associate cast? The status of Tom Cruise in the mid '80s? The work of Martin Scorsese and his intensity?

3.The film as a piece of Americana: the settings of the various states, the road to Atlantic City, the American roads, pool halls, characters in these environments? The musical score?

4.Paul Newman's portrait of Fast Eddie Falson: the memories of the past and his success as the expert hustler? 25 years later, the liquor, bankrolling players, still hustling? His eye not being as strong as it was? Interest in Vincent? Encounter between the two, the hopes for Vincent, the plan, the training, the tricks, the learning? Carmen's presence - a strong presence? The various tricks and the flirting? The pool halls, the range of opponents, the matches, Vincent losing and Eddie's anger? The gains, the reputation? Eddie's personal life, relationship with Janelle, the tricks and Carmen and the flirting, Vincent jealous? His break with Vincent? His own training, his getting the glasses? Wins and losses? Janelle and bringing her back? The complexity of the final competition, motivation, having his success in Vinnie? Vinnie being used? The rematch - "I'm back." Vincent and the parallel with Eddie? Tom Cruise's style? Vincent in himself, background, type? The relationship with Carmen? Casual, jealousy? His abilities? Slick, wins and losses? Letting feeling enter in? Being attracted to Eddie, the games and the delight, the tricks, the training? His dance around the table? Winning and not losing? The jealousy, the fights? The opponents? On the road, separating from Eddie? The road to Atlantic City? The competition, its complexities? Winning, going into the top rank? The money, returning it to Eddie, Carmen bringing it back? The final rematch? His future? Paralleling that of Eddie?

5.Carmen and her presence in this masculine world, her relationship with Vinnie, motivation for being there? Relationship with Eddie and his keeping his distance? Emotional distance? The tricks, the flirting? Her competence? Tension with Vinnie? Winning and losing the matches? The decision for Eddie and Carmen to go on their own? Returning with the money? Her place in Vincent's life? In Eddie's?

6.The contrast with Janelle - the old flame, the relationship, sharing, talking, sexual? Eddie's decision to move away? His wanting her back, her coming, support? The quality of the relationship?

7.The picture of the players and the lifestyle of the pool players? On the road, the pool halls, the victims, the winners, the hustlers? The old man capitalising on his age? The strengths? Moselle and the matches? The bets?

8.The world of pool as a sport, gambling? The halls, the hotels, the bars, the apartments? The gallery of characters?

9.Skills and sport, gambling, hustling, achievement? The possibility of success and achievement - even of redemption?