The Hustler Blu-ray Review

• 16th May 2011

I’d never seen The Hustler before – in fact my knowledge of the film was fairly limited. I knew who the star was. I knew the rough gist of what it was about. I’d seen it advertised back when video was booming as part of 20^th Century Fox’s advertising push in the home video market of the 80s. And I also knew of the Scorsese-directed follow up, The Colour Of Money set some 25 years later, with Newman reprising his role (for which he finally won an Oscar).

“Fast Eddie” Felson is a pool hustler aiming to take on a big score from legendary pool player “Minesota Fats” (Jackie Gleeson). But while we’re treated to a lot of clever pool-gaming in the opening third where Eddie takes a bit of a beating (thanks in no small part to his own personality) – the film finds power in its drama when he hooks up with alcoholic Sarah (Piper Laurie) and eventually comes under the wing of George C Scott’s professional gambler, Bert.

The film shows how those sucked into the wrong world are stripped of both money and dignity, often at personal cost to their relationships. But we also see how redemption is a powerful motivator in the end.

The final confrontation shows all three male leads acting in their prime. Newman has most of the physical work to do in this while Scott mainly needs to be stern and loud. But right in the middle of this is a powerful performance from Gleeson, who has merely to react in expression to what’s going on. It’s terrifically underplayed and tells you so much about one character being merely the pawn of another. It isn’t a surprise that all three were nominated for Academy Awards.

The Blu-ray does the film’s look justice – so if you’re checking it out for the first time or are already a fan, then this edition gives you the best quality with which to view it. And this special edition comes loaded with extras.  If you’re a fan of Newman, Gleeson, real life hustlers or just the film itself, then you’ll get documentaries on all.  There’s also commentary with several participants (including the late Newman).

Steven Hurst