ONE OF SCORSESE'S WORST?
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TornSprocket — 9 years ago(January 15, 2017 08:58 PM)
I think this is Scorsese's best directed film. I rate this one up there with GOODFELLAS. Sadly underrated, with one of Newman's best performances. The dynamic camera work and blocking is something to behold. Same for the editing.
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dheshanp — 9 years ago(February 01, 2017 07:38 AM)
I agree with TornSprocket 100%.
This, in my opinion, is an all time classic movie which never fails to disappoint.
When I first watched it as a teen, I was more drawn to the character of Vincent. I was an aspiring pool player and naturally, the charismatic Tom Cruise brought the character to life. Numerous watches later, and Vincent and Fast Eddie never disappointed.
It was not until many years later did I really and truly connect with the character of Fast Eddy Felson. It was not until I did some growing of my own that I realised how great Paul Newmans performance was in this movie. To me, this movie literally changed from being a movie about pool, to a movie about comeback and redemption.
If people could clear their minds as to what a great acting performance should be, as if there was no template, as if all you judged by was how difficult a performance was to pull off and how well the actor did pull it off, then I think many more people would agree that this is a truly great performance. Paul Newman manages to capture a character who has faced a passion/drive in his life that he had to give up against his wishes. Life doesnt always work out the way you plan. He pulls this off brilliantly. Minimalistic but effective and rather genius. Just the right amount. We dont see a shattered man, but rather a man who hides his pain, regret and loss and then seeks redemption.He doesn't overwhelm you with this undertone, but it is there for you to see and feel which unleashes a great sadness but at the same time, an opportunity for redemption, which is a very special feeling and extremely difficult to pull off in the context of this movie. At the same time, we have a brilliant performance by a young Tom Cruise, who keeps the energy up all the time.
It is extremely difficult for a movie to be paced correctly, keeping the entertainment and energy levels high but at the same time giving the characters enough room to play with. Scorsese pulled this off brilliantly.
As for everything else, brilliant cutting, sweeping shots that you will not find in many other movies. Brilliant music as well -Clapton, Zevon, Collins etc - Yes it is dated but sounds great in this movie. It also captures the era well.
Overall, an extremely underated movie, I think mostly because people expect truly great movies and performances to be in the context of something like Ben Hur,The Godfather, Lord of the Rings, etc. People do not appreciate the art of bringing to life a good script with colorful characters, characters accessible in everyday life. -
SealedCargo — 6 years ago(March 19, 2020 12:59 AM)
no. his worst are anything by Baby Moonface DiCaprio.
this has great direction, and Newman's hatred for Cruise is infectious.
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