Sequels are almost always inferior to the original and this fate is difficult to evade even when the undisputed cinema master is behind the camera. This is the conclusion you might get if you watch The Color of Money, 1986 drama directed by Martin Scorsese.
Film represents sequel to The Hustler, celebrated 1961 sports drama directed by Robert Rossen which increased popularity of pool and helped Paul Newman becoming great Hollywood icon. Like the original, it is based on the eponymous novel by Walter Tevis, although the script by Richard Price discarded almost all material from literary source. Newman returns in the role of “Fast Eddie” Nelson, man who used to be talented pool player in his youth before the tragic set of circumstances and few wrong choices prevented him to pursue that career. Quarter of century later, Eddie is successful and relatively wealthy liquor merchant who seems content with his life, although at times hangs around pool tables. One evening in a bar he notices Vincent Lauria (played by Tom Cruise), young player who possesses incredible natural talent and is able to defeat older and more experienced opponents. Eddie recognises bit of himself in Vincent and offers to become his manager, financial advisor and tutor. While Vincent, who plays mostly because he likes playing, is reluctant at first, his older and greedy girlfriend Carmen (played by Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) thinks otherwise and manipulates Vincent into accepting. Trio begins long trip to tournament in Atlantic City and along the way Vincent will play in pool halls while Eddie teaches him art of “hustling” – hiding his true talent in order to win extra cash from unsuspecting opponents. As time goes by, Vincent gradually learns to suppress his ego, while Eddie himself starts feeling the need to play again, which would ultimately pit teacher against pupil.
The Color of Money was successful at the box office and well-received by critics, although nowadays it is considered to be one of Scorsese’s lesser works. This view is shared by Scorsese himself, who described his work as “hired gun” and said that this film was one of his least personal works. On the other hand, Scorsese nevertheless put great effort in showing his film making skills, which reflects in fast editing, unusual and often elaborate shots aided by cinematography of his long time associate Michael Ballhaus. This corresponds with the idea to make this film look as different from The Hustler and set it firmly in 1980s, with references to cocaine, scenes with some implied nudity and extensive use of contemporary pop music. In the end it looks that Scorsese went a little too far with it, perhaps aware of limitations of Price’s script. While the original was interesting character study, The Color of Money puts too much emphasis on plot, but also employs too many cliches. Major plot development – Eddie’s decision to start playing again – happens too late in the film. The final showdown between Eddie and Vincent, on the other hand, happens too early and ends in disappointing and non-cathartic manner. Romantic subplot involving Eddie and his girlfriend Janelle (played by Canadian actress Helen Shaver) does little other than increasing running time.
What elevates this film and makes it watchable is quality of acting. Tom Cruise, whose presence at the height of Top Gun popularity was the most likely explanation for film’s commercial success, delivers solid but not particularly memorable performance. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is much more effective in the role of attractive and street smart woman who is master of subtle manipulation. But the greatest work was done by Newman who, presented with an opportunity to offer different interpretation of the character that made him famous, uses that opportunity well. Eddie as character seems the only connection with the previous film, but Newman plays him as an older, more experienced and seemingly more content man. Despite being seemingly superior to everyone else, he is still vulnerable and when tables begin to turn near the end, audience would nevertheless feel some sympathy for the old man and root for his return to shape. Newman was, thanks to this performance, given Oscar for Best Actor. Although some claim that it was nothing more than “lifetime Oscar” (very much like the Scorsese would later get for subpar Departed), decision of Academy still looks justifiable. Among the rest of cast Forest Whitaker makes good impression in small role of young pool shark. Although it is a solid and at times entertaining film, it is likely to be best enjoyed by viewers who haven’t seen original first.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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Movie URL: https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/11873-the-color-of-money
Critic: AA
