Detailed Summary
The Return of Fast Eddie Felson
The film begins with “Fast” Eddie Felson (Paul Newman), a former pool hustler who has retired from the game. Now a successful liquor salesman, Eddie still has a sharp eye for talent. He meets Vincent Lauria (Tom Cruise), a young and cocky pool player with undeniable skill but little discipline. Eddie sees potential in Vincent and decides to take him under his wing.
The Hustling Partnership Begins
Eddie convinces Vincent and his girlfriend, Carmen (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), to go on the road with him, where they’ll hustle pool halls across the country. Eddie teaches Vincent the tricks of the trade, stressing the importance of playing to lose when needed and making the big score later. However, Vincent’s brash and impulsive nature creates tension.
The Atlantic City Tournament
Eddie realizes that he’s still got the itch for competition and decides to return to the game himself. The story culminates in a high-stakes pool tournament in Atlantic City, where Eddie faces off against Vincent. In a twist, Eddie beats Vincent but later discovers that Vincent threw the match as a sign of respect and to hustle money from others. This realization causes Eddie to reevaluate his motivations.
The Final Showdown
In the final scene, Eddie is seen preparing for a new game, declaring, “I’m back!” signaling his full return to the pool world, no longer just as a mentor but as a competitor once more.
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Movie Ending
The ending is symbolic of Eddie’s journey back to his roots. After years of being out of the game, Eddie regains his confidence and love for pool. The film ends with Eddie challenging Vincent to a real match, showing that he’s ready to reclaim his status as a true hustler.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “The Color of Money” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
The film is a sports drama centered around pool hustling, with elements of a coming-of-age story and a mentor-student dynamic.
Cast
- Paul Newman as Eddie Felson
- Tom Cruise as Vincent Lauria
- Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Carmen
- Helen Shaver as Janelle
- John Turturro as Julian
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Robbie Robertson, known for his work with The Band. The soundtrack features a mix of rock and blues, fitting the gritty atmosphere of the pool halls.
Filming Locations
- Chicago, Illinois: Many of the interior pool hall scenes were shot here.
- Atlantic City, New Jersey: The climactic tournament was filmed in Atlantic City, emphasizing the high-stakes nature of the game.
These locations highlight the contrasting environments between seedy pool halls and grand, flashy casinos.
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Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards: Paul Newman won Best Actor for his portrayal of Eddie Felson.
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Actor (Paul Newman).
- BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Paul Newman).
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The film is a sequel to “The Hustler” (1961), with Newman reprising his role as Eddie Felson.
- Tom Cruise performed his own pool stunts after extensive training.
- Director Martin Scorsese used dynamic camera movements to bring energy to the pool scenes, enhancing the tension and excitement.
Inspirations and References
- Source Material: The film is loosely based on the 1984 novel The Color of Money by Walter Tevis, though the plot diverges significantly from the book.
- The film explores themes of mentorship, aging, and the hunger for redemption, common in both sports dramas and Scorsese’s body of work.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no major alternate endings or deleted scenes known for this film. The conclusion was designed to leave the audience with a sense of Eddie’s renewed determination.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- Different Storyline: The film diverges heavily from the novel, with a completely different plot and character development.
- Character Focus: The book delves deeper into the relationship between Eddie and Vincent, but the film focuses more on Eddie’s personal journey.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Eddie and Vincent’s First Meeting: The moment Eddie sees Vincent’s raw talent.
- The Training Montage: Eddie teaching Vincent how to hustle.
- The Atlantic City Tournament: Eddie’s victory over Vincent, only to learn it was thrown.
Iconic Quotes
- “Money won is twice as sweet as money earned.” – Eddie Felson
- “I’m back!” – Eddie Felson
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film features cameos from professional pool players, adding authenticity to the scenes.
- Scorsese himself appears in a brief cameo as a spectator during one of the pool matches.
Trivia
- Paul Newman received his first Oscar for this role, after being nominated multiple times throughout his career.
- The film was Tom Cruise’s first collaboration with Martin Scorsese, paving the way for his rise as a leading Hollywood star.
Why Watch?
“The Color of Money” is a captivating blend of sports drama and character study. It’s not just about pool; it’s about redemption, rivalry, and rediscovery, all backed by strong performances from Newman and Cruise.
Director’s Other Movies
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Hustler (1961)
- Rounders (1998)
- The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
- Jerry Maguire (1996)
- A Bronx Tale (1993)