The Hustler

Main Plot

"The Hustler," directed by Robert Rossen, is a compelling drama centered on the world of high-stakes pool. The story follows Eddie Felson, a talented and ambitious pool player who dreams of proving himself as the best in the game. Driven by a relentless pursuit of success, Eddie travels to challenge the legendary player Minnesota Fats, believing that a victory over him will affirm his status at the top. During their intense match, Eddie initially leads but ultimately loses due to his arrogance and emotional instability. Financially ruined and emotionally defeated, he faces a personal crisis. Throughout his journey, Eddie encounters Sarah, a troubled woman with whom he forms a complex relationship. Her influence begins to alter his perspective on what it truly means to be a winner. As Eddie grapples with his personal demons and the harsh realities of the pool circuit, he learns valuable lessons about resilience, integrity, and the cost of ambition. The film explores themes of redemption and the human spirit's capacity for change, culminating in Eddie's final attempt to reclaim his dignity and self-respect in the unforgiving world of professional pool.

Characters

• Paul Newman plays "Fast Eddie" Felson, a small-time pool hustler who seeks to prove himself by defeating legendary player Minnesota Fats, facing personal and professional trials along the way.
• Jackie Gleason played Minnesota Fats, a skilled pool player and the main antagonist, challenging the protagonist in high-stakes games, testing his skill and resolve.
• Piper Laurie plays Sarah Packard, a troubled alcoholic who becomes the love interest of the protagonist, influencing his personal growth and tragic trajectory.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of "The Hustler," directed by Robert Rossen, the protagonist "Fast" Eddie Felson, played by Paul Newman, faces off against his nemesis, Minnesota Fats, portrayed by Jackie Gleason, in a high-stakes billiards rematch. Throughout the film, Eddie struggles with his self-destructive impulses and a complicated relationship with Sarah, a troubled woman he loves. After Sarah's tragic suicide, which occurs partly due to the manipulations of Bert Gordon, Eddie's manager who takes a large cut of his winnings, Eddie is driven to confront not only his opponents at the pool table but also his personal demons. In the climactic pool game, Eddie finally defeats Minnesota Fats, asserting himself as a superior player. However, the victory is bittersweet. He rejects Bert's claim to his winnings, asserting his independence from Bert's controlling influence. Eddie's win is not just about the money or the game; it's about his reclaiming of self-respect and autonomy. He walks out, leaving behind the pool hall and, symbolically, his former life of hustling, indicating a potential for personal redemption and a new beginning. The film ends on this note of ambiguous yet hopeful self-realization.