The Color of Money
The Color of Money (green, for those wondering) is a 1986 film starring Tom Cruise and Paul Newman as pool players who work together to hustle their unsuspecting opponents – until ultimately they turn on each other and make the other their mark.
I’ll start with the positives. The camerawork is phenomenal – especially during the pool scenes. They are so majestic and crisp – the camera rolls with the balls as they soar toward the pockets. It’s truly amazing stuff that looks like it was made today, not thirty seven years ago. Anytime Cruise lined up his shot, you knew you were going to be impressed. Fun fact – Tom Cruise did his own pool playing for the film (because of course he did).
The soundtrack was also exceptional, I was vibing to the music throughout the entire film. I’d listen to the soundtrack to this any day.
While the actors all did a good job in their roles, the characters were all completely unlikable. While this isn’t uncommon for Scorsese, something about this felt different. As their jealousy and greed and lust for fame got the better of them, I quickly started rooting against each and every character until I was left with a seething hatred for anyone holding a cue stick. I wanted the movie to be over, and it wasn’t ending.
Marty Rankings:
This film was unfortunately a let-down for me.
- Taxi Driver
- The King of Comedy
- After Hours
- Raging Bull
- Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore
- Mean Streets
- The Color of Money
- Who’s That Knocking at My Door
- New York, New York
- Boxcar Bertha
Next week, The Last Temptation of Christ. I’ve never seen it, but I have heard a lot of great things.
