Movies

The Hidden Connection Between Tom Cruise’s The Color of Money and a 1961 Classic

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Martin Scorsese is renowned as one of the most productive directors in American filmmaking, with a career that has endured for several decades and earned both critical and popular praise. He’s best known for his seminal gangster films such as “Goodfellas” and “The Departed,” as well as his more introspective dramas like “Silence” and the upcoming “Killers of the Flower Moon.” However, some of Scorsese’s most delightful movies sometimes get overlooked by fans, such as the 1986 gem, “The Color of Money.

Featuring Tom Cruise and Paul Newman in their respective roles as a rising pool player and an experienced veteran, “The Color of Money” is often overlooked as one of Scorsese’s best works. Despite not being as personally driven as some of his other projects, this film showcases the empathy, intricate emotions, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances that fans have come to associate with the master filmmaker. Interestingly, “The Color of Money” is a sequel, which might come as a surprise to many viewers.

The Color of Money Is A Legacy Sequel To A 1961 Classic

The Film Is The Only Sequel Martin Scorsese Ever Directed

Despite standing strong as an engaging sports drama about pool hustling in its own right, what truly sets “The Color of Money” apart is its connection to the iconic 1960s film, “The Hustler“. Starring Paul Newman as a gifted pool prodigy with much to prove, his character’s brash attitude, arrogant tactics, and self-destructive nature continue to captivate audiences even by today’s cinematic standards. In essence, “The Hustler” is one of the most lean and aggressive American films from the ’60s, and it continues to be a timeless classic.

In “The Hustler,” Newman was depicted as an underdog challenging a more formidable opponent. However, “The Color of Money” cleverly rearranges this dynamic by portraying Newman’s character Eddie Felson as a once-great but now aging hustler. This shift adds layers to the film and allows fans of “The Hustler” to witness the character’s growth and transformation, while new viewers can still appreciate the depth of emotion in the character. Newman’s performances in both movies are nothing short of breathtaking, as he seamlessly switches between being captivatingly charismatic and irresistibly charming, and menacingly destructive and aggressive.

1986 saw the debut of “The Color of Money,” a film where a young Tom Cruise ascended to stardom, mirroring his character’s rise in the pool halls. Released concurrently with the original “Top Gun,” both movies resonated deeply within and beyond the billiards scene. The character’s resemblance to Eddie Felson from “The Hustler” is striking, making Paul Newman’s comeback as the same character in “The Color of Money” seamless. The film cleverly leverages the audience’s familiarity with the 60s classic and the real-life star power of Newman and Cruise, symbolizing a transition not just within the movie but also in the realm of their respective careers.

The Color of Money Is One of The Very Best Legacy Sequels

The Film Achieves What Other Legacy Sequels Often Fail To Do

Over the past four decades, numerous classic movies have been followed by sequels, usually appearing shortly after the original films. These quick follow-ups are often a result of producers and studios trying to cash in on earlier successes, but more often than not, these attempts lead to poor outcomes. A superior type of sequel that has become increasingly prevalent over the last decade is known as a “legacy sequel.” Movies like Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Mad Max: Fury Road, Twisters II, and Creed are some recent examples of this trend.

Many contemporary films try to cash in on nostalgia for old movie franchises, actors, or genres by producing follow-up movies. More often than not, these legacy sequels fail at rekindling the excitement that had waned over decades and instead end up as disappointing rehashes. Movies like “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”, the 2018 version of “Halloween”, and “Space Jam: A New Legacy” are typical examples of the subpar quality often associated with legacy sequels. Rarely do we find a follow-up film that truly lives up to its predecessor, but “The Color of Money” is one such exception.

One of the first movies to employ the concept of a legacy sequel was “The Color of Money,” which made clever use of the twenty-five-year interval since “The Hustler” to its advantage. Unlike many contemporary films that reminisce over the original, it didn’t dwell on past glories. Instead, it took the established elements and transformed them into something fresh, innovative, and daring, building upon what had come before. It’s not just a repetition of events from the previous film or an attempt to recapture old times as many modern legacy sequels do. Rather, it stands as a unique, engaging, thrilling film in its own right – one that just so happens to be a continuation of the legendary 1961 classic.

The Color of Money Could So Easily Receive Its Own Legacy Sequel Today

Tom Cruise Is Perfectly Primed To Play An Older, Wiser Version of His Cocky Character

It’s tough to dispute that one of the most remarkable legacy sequels from recent years, and arguably one of the best sequels overall, was none other than Top Gun: Maverick. This film surpassed all audience and critic expectations, and it’s a strong contention that it outshines the original Top Gun in many aspects. Tom Cruise, at the pinnacle of his late-career stardom, has been captivating audiences with films like Maverick and the recent Mission: Impossible installments. Some suggest that, with the Mission: Impossible series seemingly concluded, Tom Cruise should revisit starring in straightforward dramas, as well as ventures into other genres.

A compelling option for Tom Cruise’s return to dramatic roles could be reprising his character from “The Color of Money.” Similar to how Paul Newman appeared older and more experienced in “The Color of Money” compared to “The Hustler,” Cruise could also portray Vincent Lauria as a mentor to a new prodigy. Since it’s been longer since “The Color of Money” was released than there was between that film and “The Hustler,” a contemporary legacy sequel could leverage this gap, just like Scorsese’s film did in 1986 – allowing audiences who haven’t seen the original to still appreciate the story. Unlike “The Hustler,” “The Color of Money” doesn’t necessitate prior viewing to understand or enjoy it, and a follow-up should maintain this approach. Using established characters to tell a fresh narrative is beneficial, but if a film relies solely on past pleasure or nostalgia, it will likely fall short.

If Tom Cruise were to reprise his role as Vincent Lauria, it could be marketed as a comeback to broader dramatic performances rather than a mere throwback to the largely overlooked 80s film. Tom Cruise is not only a talented actor but also a shrewd producer, understanding both how to captivate an audience and what they’re less interested in. A more serious performance in a sequel to The Color of Money might seem unnecessary, but that’s precisely why it could prove highly effective. Few are eagerly anticipating a new installment, but that makes such a film even more impactful. Just as The Color of Money capitalized on the storyline from The Hustler, a contemporary sequel should and could do the same.

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2025-06-07 02:08

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