Martin Scorsese’s 1986 film, The Color of Money, is often viewed under the shadow of its celebrated predecessor, The Hustler (1961). While not a direct sequel, it revisits the character of “Fast Eddie” Felson, portrayed once again by the legendary Paul Newman. This time, however, Eddie is not the young, hungry hustler, but a seasoned liquor salesman drawn back into the world of pool by a promising young talent, Vincent Lauria, played by a young and rising Tom Cruise. The dynamic between these two actors, alongside Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Vincent’s street-smart girlfriend Carmen, forms the core of this Scorsese film. While the movie itself might not reach the heights of Scorsese’s most electrifying works, the performances of its actors, particularly Newman and Mastrantonio, offer compelling insights into character, ambition, and the complex relationship between mentor and protégé.
Paul Newman as “Fast Eddie” Felson: Revisiting a Classic Character
Paul Newman’s return to the role of “Fast Eddie” Felson is arguably the strongest element of The Color of Money. Having originated the role in The Hustler 25 years prior, Newman brings a lived-in weariness and wisdom to Eddie. No longer driven by the desperate need to prove himself, this Eddie is a successful businessman, content in his comfortable routine. Yet, beneath the surface of this successful salesman, the embers of his past as a pool hustler still glow. Newman masterfully portrays this internal conflict, the subtle pull of his former life and the allure of the game.
The film delves into Eddie’s motivations for returning to the pool hall, not as a player himself, but as a mentor. He sees in Vincent a raw talent, a “flake” as he describes it, whose unpredictable nature could be a powerful weapon in the high-stakes world of professional pool. Newman’s performance showcases Eddie’s calculation and strategic mind as he seeks to mold Vincent, to impart his hard-earned lessons about winning and the “color of money.” This mentor-mentee relationship provides Newman with rich material to explore the nuances of his character. While Eddie may seem to have moved on from his hustling days, Newman subtly reveals the lingering ambition and the inherent competitiveness that still defines “Fast Eddie” Felson. His performance is not just a reprisal of a famous role, but a nuanced exploration of aging, regret, and the enduring appeal of mastery.
Tom Cruise as Vincent Lauria: The Charismatic Protégé
Tom Cruise, in the mid-1980s, was rapidly ascending to superstardom, and his portrayal of Vincent Lauria in The Color of Money is a key step in that trajectory. Vincent is the embodiment of youthful exuberance and raw, untamed talent. Cruise captures Vincent’s cockiness, his almost childlike enthusiasm for pool, and his inherent “flakiness” that Eddie recognizes as both a strength and a weakness. Vincent is not as world-weary or cynical as Eddie; he is driven by the thrill of the game and the immediate gratification of winning.
Cruise’s performance effectively contrasts with Newman’s seasoned portrayal. Vincent is impulsive, easily distracted, and often more concerned with showmanship than strategy. His relationship with Eddie is fraught with tension, as Vincent chafes under Eddie’s attempts to control and mold him. Cruise expertly conveys this youthful rebellion and the growing ambition that drives Vincent to eventually challenge his mentor. While Vincent may lack the depth and complexity of “Fast Eddie,” Cruise injects him with an undeniable charisma and energy that makes him a compelling counterpoint to Newman’s more introspective performance. The dynamic between Cruise and Newman is central to the film’s narrative, and both actors deliver performances that highlight this generational and stylistic clash.
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Carmen: The Cynical Observer
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio’s performance as Carmen, Vincent’s girlfriend, is often cited as a standout in The Color of Money. Carmen is not just a typical girlfriend character; she is sharp, cynical, and arguably the most grounded character in the film. She sees the allure and the danger of the pool hustling world, and she understands both Vincent’s ambition and Eddie’s manipulative tactics. Mastrantonio brings a toughness and a worldly wisdom to Carmen that is captivating.
Carmen serves as an observer, providing a critical perspective on the male-dominated world of pool. She is attracted to the excitement and the potential for financial gain, but she is also aware of the emotional toll and the inherent instability of this lifestyle. Mastrantonio’s chemistry with both Cruise and Newman is palpable. Her interactions with Eddie are particularly intriguing, as they engage in a subtle power play, both vying for influence over Vincent. Carmen is not easily fooled, and Mastrantonio imbues her with a street-smart intelligence that makes her more than just a supporting character. She is a driving force in the narrative, contributing significantly to the tension and the complex dynamics between Eddie and Vincent. Ebert notes her “hard edge and her inbred cynicism,” highlighting the strength Mastrantonio brings to the role.
Scorsese’s Direction and the Focus on Performance
While The Color of Money might be considered a more conventional film compared to Scorsese’s signature works, his direction still emphasizes character and performance. Scorsese’s camera lingers on the faces of the actors, particularly Newman, allowing the audience to witness the subtle nuances of their expressions and emotions. This focus on the actors’ craft is a hallmark of Scorsese’s filmmaking, and it is evident throughout The Color of Money.
Ebert points out that Scorsese “lets his camera stay on an actor’s face, who looks deeply into them and tries to find the shadings that reveal their originality.” This approach is particularly effective in highlighting Newman’s performance, showcasing the depth and complexity he brings to “Fast Eddie.” Scorsese’s direction, while perhaps less overtly stylistic than in some of his other films, serves to amplify the performances of the actors and to draw the audience into the characters’ internal worlds. The film’s strength lies not in plot twists or dramatic action sequences, but in the compelling performances of its lead actors and the intricate relationships they portray under Scorsese’s insightful direction.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of The Color of Money’s Actors
The Color of Money may not be Scorsese’s most groundbreaking film, but it remains a compelling watch, largely due to the strength of its actors. Paul Newman’s Oscar-winning performance as “Fast Eddie” Felson is a masterclass in nuanced character portrayal, while Tom Cruise brings youthful energy and charisma to Vincent Lauria. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio’s Carmen adds a layer of cynicism and realism, grounding the film in a complex emotional landscape. While the story itself might adhere to certain genre conventions, the performances elevate The Color of Money into a worthwhile exploration of ambition, mentorship, and the enduring allure of the game. The actors, under Scorsese’s direction, breathe life into these characters, making The Color of Money a noteworthy sequel that stands on its own merits, particularly in showcasing the talents of its impressive cast.
