"The Hustler" A work of tenacity released by a master craftsman who was blacklisted in Hollywood's Red Scare.

What emerges from the overlap between the protagonist and the director

``The Hustler'' was also shot in New York, not Hollywood. It was a decisive blow for Rossen. If you approach this film knowing about his background, you will gradually come to understand the unique atmosphere of this film, the many dark sides of the characters, and the definition of goodness and justice. .

In particular, the main character Eddie has many questions in his heart such as, ``What is right and what is wrong?'' ``What is glory? What is setback?'' ``What should we learn from setbacks and how to rise from them?'' Is it a good idea?” is a real question. If we replace the item and theme of billiards with ``movies'' and ``freedom,'' wouldn't they seem to echo the life that Rossen has followed?

In addition to his pre-existing illness, the mental stress of the Red Scare took a toll on his body. And when he was filming ``The Hustler,'' he apparently knew that he would only be involved in making a few more films. Five years The Day After, he passed away at the young age of 57.

Rossen probably continued to struggle with whether his testimony was correct until the day he died. In a sense, this film may have been a ``cry from the heart'' that was born as director Rossen struggled with the question, ``What is who I should be?''

Text: USHIZU ATSUNOBU

Born in Nagasaki in 1977. When he was 3 years old, he saw ``Superman II'' with his father and became fascinated with movies. After The Graduate from Meiji University, he worked for a movie broadcasting channel and then became a movie writer. Currently, in addition to writing for Eiga.com, EYESCREAM, Real Sound Movie Club, etc., he also contributes to media press and theater programs.

Watch now

View work information

(c) Photofest / Getty Images