Reflections on characters and themes in The Hustler (1961)

Discussion and analysis of characters and themes in the film starring Paul Newman, Piper Laurie and George C Scott, directed and co-written by Robert Rossen.

[@robertbelyea5767]

At the end of Colour Eddie proclaims 'Im back!'. He's come full circle.

[@malafakka8530]

I love this movie and watch it once a year. Like always this is a very good analysis. For some reason I could never quite express the themes of the movie like you did here. So thanks for helping me in that regard. I had an idea that ocurred to me when you talked about Eddie and Sarah. Might it be that Eddie's temporary helplessness gave her a sense of self-worth? Maybe I misremember things, but wasn't she kind of dependent on men, financially, emotionally or both? Hm, I think there might be something to it. Eddie would have become dependent on Bert (money and approval) and Sarah would have become dependent on Eddie, which is something that she can't bear any longer because it degrades her as person. I hope my thoughts weren't to difficult to follow because my concentration isn't the best at this moment (and English isn't my first language).

[@fernie150]

Nice to hear from you again. Hope all is well with you and glad you liked the video. Yes, Eddie and Sarah’s relationship is complex - I think each fills an almost child-like need in the other. In many ways they are both innocent and naive, and Sarah’s fate helps Eddie see things more clearly and grow. You express yourself with remarkable clarity! Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@malafakka8530]

@@fernie150 Oh, I didn't necessarily expect that you would remember me. That's nice and thanks for the compliment and your thoughts on my comment.

[@tomcripps7229]

I like your description of Bert with his managerial and administrative prowess. That's a fascinating character that I would like to know more about. He's a hustler.

[@fernie150]

Yes - excellent material for an anti-hero! Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.

[@brownmetal]

I just watched this and was amazed how good of a movie this is. Sarah’s character made me sad. Especially when she gives herself to Bert.

[@fernie150]

I agree. I bought it some time ago but watched it only recently and thoroughly enjoyed it. Indeed, she is tragic and a reminder our actions and attitudes have an impact on others. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.

[@buelroberts3759]

My absolute favorite movie. It's funny how I watched it so long ago and how it became my favorite movie and now many years later pool is now at the center of my life.

[@fernie150]

You have to wonder if the film influenced you or if your love of the film was due to your interest in pool…

[@buelroberts3759]

@@fernie150 Very hard to tell, I've always loved pool ever since I was young but I never was serious. But i also saw this movie when I was very young, I now love it for the pool aspect because im serious about it, but then I loved it because it had such a deep meaning. Eddie's character really resounded with me, I've always used the born loser speech as motivation.

[@fernie150]

Sounds like it was made for you! Good luck with everything.

[@65g4]

Great movie and great character study i have the film on bluray.

[@fernie150]

Thank you! A worthy addition to a bluray collection, in my opinion.

[@versetripn6631]

One of my favorites has been amplified by your analysis. Well-done! I've unwittingly learned in my mid years that Hollywood has gone to scientifically exponential ends to mirror each and every aspect of it's own output. The Color of Money did just that with the Hustler. Each element from the Former was reversed by the Latter. Makes me wonder why a sequel to 'White Men Can't Jump' was never created considering Woody Harrelson's character parrallels with Newman. Then again...there WAS the re-teaming of Wesley and Woody for...'Money Train'. 🤔🤔

[@fernie150]

Thank you for your kind words - much appreciated. I agree. I have often been puzzled at the fact producers and directors appear to fail to understand what appealed in a film in the first place, and ignore or deny it in a sequel! TV series can be equally guilty, often losing direction and focusing on the main character rather than plot lines that incorporate character development.

[@joseaguilar3323]

This is a wonderful analysis of my favorite movie

[@fernie150]

Thank you. You’re very kind.

[@JerryBanks572]

Great movie, can't wait to see what you think of it. I haven't watched it in years but I thought Bert was responsible for the broken thumbs. And I don't remember watching Eddie get the casts put on. Sounds like a good excuse for another viewing.

[@fernie150]

Nice to hear from you again, Jerry. Hope all is well with you.

[@professionalgun6674]

Spot on review. I find this film to be ahead of its time and has a strong thru line of depravity that one hopes will be destroyed in hope of the opposite, but is derailed to another track, time and time again to restart it's struggle. All roles are excellently played whether one or multi-dimensional. Love, hope and victory end up all juxtopose against themselves with the sexual energy that snakes throughout taking various forms to confuse and deprave. Bert's mind is written on the mirror for the viewers own interpretation as is the rich pool player who struggles to hold back his homosexual energy and the sexual energy between Eddie and the girl works in an environment that's crippled one way or another. I always thought The Color of Money played like, what if...this was The Hustler instead of...? Especially since The Hustler feels more like a Martin Scorsese film that fits the 80s90s and The Color of Money a 60s film, both films sequels to themselves. Or, am I stood ere int Rovers pie eyed?

[@fernie150]

No, I do not think you're pie eyed int Rovers or anywhere else! Very good points. I especially like the point about the films being in the wrong order - very insightful.

[@kamkelevra]

Burt was absolutely right, at the end of this movie I thought Eddie changed and learned something but after watching The Color of Money I realized Eddie was only interested in his own ego willing to give up everything including his life partner to chase his own ego, so I say Burt was right when he said "Eddie you're a born loser"

[@fernie150]

I totally agree! I was so disappointed by Eddie at the end of The Color of Money….

[@bobshark123]

a great sports movie ruined by a love interest