Saturday, January 28, 2006
POCKET POOL
What to say about today's NYTimes 1176 Best Film
I know it is supposed to be one of Newman's landmark films; the one that launched him into major stardom.
He is good. And was asked to reprise this kind of role of the nasty loser over and over.
Perhaps that is why it seems a bit hackneyed now.
Sorry.
The other thing is that the film might be about the rise and fall and rise again of a guy with 'no character'. On the other hand, it is easier for me to see it as a story about alcoholism.
Eddy is a drunk.
They make it obvious that his girl friend, Piper Laurie, is. So are some of the others. Booze is a featured player.
And so on.
Ebert liked it more than I did the second time.
I was pleased to see Jackie Gleason again and to watch Myron McCormick who was a well known stage actor. He is Newman's manager in the down part of his short career.
I will give it a 4 out of Netflix5.
It is good. But, not as good as it thinks it is or wants to be.
