Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Tom Cruise, Paul Newman and John Turturro
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors have made films making headlines news like Tom Cruise. Since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Cruuse has been a beloved icon. Whether it’s spies enduring dangers, lawyers or soaring aviators, Cruise has portrayed many compelling characters. Arguably, Cruise’s best strength as an actor is his powerful commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors that has always put his life on the line by performing his own stunts. Even when he has suffered injuries, Cruise has never lost his passion for making memorable movies. An actor with a strong commitment toward his craft, Cruise has become an icon in entertainment. Although he’s best known for his role in the Mission Impossible series, Cruise has proven he can make engaging films in every single genre. Throughout his powerful career, Cruise has made several unforgettable movies that are absolutely worth talking about without any doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Cruise and adore all the films he has made in his career. However, “The Colour of Money” is truly my favourite. Released in 1986, Martin Scorsese’s movie offered a bold portrait of gambling addicts. Packed with captivating production design, engaging storytelling and excellent acting, it’s one of the best movies ever made about gambling. At the centre of it all is a fantastic performance by Tom Cruise, who embodies a pool hustler facing issues. Ultimately what makes “The Colour of Money” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about gambling, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. A breathtaking masterpiece about gambling, there are several reasons why “The Colour of Money” is a film that is worth watching.
“The Colour of Money” tells the story of a pool hustler that engages in competitions causing adversity. Paul Newman portrays Eddie Felson, an aging pool hustler facing retirement. Felson has long given up with playing a game that he no longer finds any interesting. However, Felson’s hopes to live in retirement end when he decides to make a comeback as a pool hustler. Searching for a pupil, Felson develops strong partnership with hustler Vincent (Tom Cruise). Vincent is a charismatic hustler with strong dedication to succeed in his profession. Felson forms a powerful bond with Vincent until the two are torn apart by force of competition. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Felson is forced to wonder whether it’s possible for him to any longer become a successful pool hustle.
Martin Scorsese is fascinated with themes of doomed friendship. A fantastic director, Scorsese has often made engaging movies about hustlers that face disaster. His iconic film “Goodfellas” offered a strong portrait of gangsters forming doomed friendships that fade disaster. With “The Colour of Money”, however, Scorsese made his first gambling movie. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the lives of gamblers that face adversity but he succeeded tremendously. Using stunning cinematography, Scorsese captures a gambler embarking upon a dire journey to find his identity. Evoking John G. Avildsen’s “Rocky”, Scorsese expertly uses montages to capture a gambler embarking upon a side journey. For instance, montages elevate the gambler scene. During this grim scene, Felson engages in his first ever game of gambling. Through stunning montages, Scorsese creates a portrait of gambling that audiences relate to. Montages are complex techniques. As Barry Levinson’s “Rain Man” suggested, montages elevate movies that capture disabilities. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Using commemorated visuals, Scorsese captures tensions that gamblers are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Colour of Money” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Evoking Robert Rossen’s “The Hustler”, Scorsese effectively uses costumes to capture the tensions faced by gamblers experiencing a disaster. Throughout the movie, Felson’s costumes showcase his strong personality as a gambler facing adversity. For instance, costumes enhance the gambling meet up scene. During this heartfelt scene, Felson has his first ever meeting with Vincent as they form a partnership. Using captivating production, Scorsese honours the gambling profession. Moreouryyde musical score is magnificent. Robbie Richardson’s music is key the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere. Using stunning production design, Fleson captured gamblers whose lives decline.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Tom Cruise delivers one hai his best caeeer performances as Vincent. Cruise achieved appreciation for playing portrait soaring aviators in dreams. With “The Colour of Money”, however, he took on his most tricky role. It isn’t easy to portray a scheming gambler facing adversity but he succeeded tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, fierce and emotional in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, fear and dedication of a pool hustler embarking on mission. It’s an extraordinary performance from one of the finest actors in Hollywood today.
While the film is mainly a strong showcase for Tom Cruise, the supporting cast is also amazing. Paul Newman is phenomenal, and captures the dedication of a pool hustler on a mission to achieve victories on an intense gambling competition. John Turturro is truly terrific, capturing the sorrow experienced by a pool hustler that has big dreams to follow. Lastly, Forest Whitaker merits appreciation. As a gambler, he brings tension to the film.
Fans of Tom Cruise would absolutely enjoy “The Colour of Money” and so would movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A riveting gambling drama, it honours a bold actor with charisma.
Nearly 40 years following the release of an iconic film about pool hustlers drawn to the colour of money seeking gambling victory, it’s a riveting reminder of a legendary actor that has built a lasting legacy through his ability to portray compelling characters in memorable movies which audiences have always loved dearly.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 