Paul Newman deservedly won the best actor Oscar for this terrific drama in which he reprises the role of “Fast” Eddie Felson, the pool shark he played in 1961’s The Hustler.
Here, the ageing liquor salesman and former pool hustler takes on pushy pupil Vincent Lauria (Tom Cruise) and both learn a trick or two about life and each other as Felson prepares his prodigy for a national tournament in Atlantic City.
The confrontational climax never quite convinces, but Richard Price’s knockout script is one to treasure and director Martin Scorsese brings his trademark visual style to bear on the production.
Oscar-nominated Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio puts in an accomplished performance as the naive Cruise’s knowing girlfriend and look out, too, for Forest Whitaker in a supporting role as a young pool hustler and a brief cameo from Iggy Pop.
“Fast” Eddie Felson
Paul Newman
Vincent Lauria
Tom Cruise
Carmen
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Janelle
Helen Shaver
Julian
John Turturro
Orvis
Bill Cobbs
Earl at Chalkies
Robert Agins
Grady Seasons
Keith McCready
Casino band singer
Carol Messing
Duke
Steve Mizerak
Moselle
Bruce A Young
Kennedy
Alvin Anastasia
Chuck, the bartender
Joe Guastaferro
Amos
Forest Whitaker
Skinny player on the road
Iggy Pop
Director
Martin Scorsese
