The Color of Money
1986 · 1h 59m · Drama
Watch it tonight. This is Martin Scorsese directing Paul Newman in one of his finest late-career roles—a character study wrapped in the cool aesthetics of pool halls that's more about ego and mentorship than hustling. It's a smart, adult drama that builds tension through dialogue and performance rather than plot mechanics.
Plot
Former pool hustler "Fast Eddie" Felson decides he wants to return to the game by taking a pupil. He meets talented but green Vincent Lauria and proposes a partnership. As they tour pool halls, Eddie teaches Vincent the tricks of scamming, but he eventually grows frustrated with Vincent's showboat antics, leading to an argument and a falling-out. Eddie takes up playing again and soon crosses paths with Vincent as an opponent.
Director: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Paul Newman, Tom Cruise, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Helen Shaver, John Turturro