The Color of Money

The Color of Money

Year: 1986

Runtime: 119 min

Language: English

Director: Martin Scorsese

DramaSport

A seasoned pool hustler, Fast Eddie Felson, takes on a young protégé, Vincent Lauria, hoping to teach him the tricks of the trade. As they travel the country, Eddie imparts his knowledge of deception and strategy, but their relationship becomes strained by ambition and conflicting approaches to the game. The pursuit of money and recognition tests their partnership and leads to a confrontation that changes both their lives.

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Timeline & Setting – The Color of Money (1986)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Color of Money (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film captures a contemporary setting where the high-stakes world of pool is defined by skilled players and gambling culture. During this period, the grit and grind of competitive play define the lives of characters, reflecting societal notions of ambition, ethics, and personal success. The challenges of navigating this morally ambiguous environment frame the narrative and character arcs.

Location

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is known for its vibrant nightlife and casinos, making it a popular destination for gambling and entertainment. The city has a rich history associated with the rise of modern-day casinos, and it serves as a backdrop for intense high-stakes competitions, particularly in the world of pool. This setting amplifies the tension and excitement as characters engage in both games and personal moral dilemmas.

🏙️ City 🎱 Pool Hall

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:08

Main Characters – The Color of Money (1986)

Meet the key characters of The Color of Money (1986), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Fast Eddie Felson

Fast Eddie Felson is a seasoned and skilled pool shark, portrayed by Paul Newman. He embodies a complex mix of arrogance and vulnerability, wrestling with his legacy in the world of high-stakes pool. As he mentors Vincent, Eddie experiences a transformation that challenges his moral compass, ultimately seeking redemption by reclaiming his integrity.

🏎️ Hustler 🎱 Pool Legend ✊ Mentor

Vincent

Vincent, played by Tom Cruise, is a young and talented pool player with immense potential but a brash demeanor. His struggle to reconcile Eddie's teachings with his personal ethics creates tension and growth throughout the film. Vincent's arc represents the battle between ambition and moral choice, ultimately leading him to betray Eddie’s trust.

🌟 Rising Star 🎱 Pool Prodigy 🎭 Troublemaker

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:08

Major Themes – The Color of Money (1986)

Explore the central themes of The Color of Money (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Deception

Deception plays a central role in the dynamics of the characters' relationships and the world of competitive pool. Eddie seeks to teach Vincent the art of manipulation as a means to succeed, yet this theme explores the costs of such tactics on personal integrity. Ultimately, the struggle between honesty and cunning forms the heart of the conflict and character development.

🏆 Redemption

The theme of redemption is profoundly explored through Eddie's journey as he grapples with his past choices and seeks to reclaim his integrity. His mentorship of Vincent reveals a reflection of his younger self, prompting a quest to navigate the complexities of success. The path toward redemption serves as an emotional and moral backbone of the narrative.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal emerges as a pivotal theme when Vincent's actions ultimately conflict with Eddie's values. This personal conflict leads to a rupture in their mentor-student relationship, raising questions about trust and loyalty. The emotional fallout from this betrayal drives the narrative towards a climactic confrontation that tests both characters' resolves.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:08

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about complex mentorship like The Color of Money

Stories where seasoned veterans take on promising but difficult apprentices.If you liked the strained teacher-student relationship in The Color of Money, explore more movies about cynical mentors and unruly protégés. This collection features similar dramas focused on the transfer of skill, the burden of experience, and the conflicts that arise from ambition and differing worldviews.

mentorshipcompetitiveambitiouscynicalworn-downdeterminedrivalry

Narrative Summary

These narratives typically follow a seasoned, often jaded, professional who sees potential in a younger, undisciplined individual. The journey involves training, testing boundaries, and a push-pull relationship where loyalty is challenged by ego. The arc often leads to a pivotal moment where the protégé either embraces or rebels against the mentor's teachings, altering their bond forever.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their central focus on a high-stakes mentorship. They share a bittersweet tone, medium dramatic intensity, and explore themes of ambition, the corrupting influence of success, and the personal cost of passing on a legacy, creating a coherent and compelling character-driven experience.

Redemption stories for seasoned veterans like The Color of Money

Older characters finding their fire again for one last shot at glory.Fans of Eddie Felson's quest for a comeback in The Color of Money will enjoy these stories of seasoned veterans seeking redemption. Discover similar movies about older characters finding their passion and skill again, often through complex new partnerships or one final high-stakes challenge.

redemptivecomebackworn-downdeterminedcompetitivemelancholichopeful

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a character who was once great but has lost their edge or passion. A catalyst—often a young rival or a final opportunity—forces them to confront their past and re-engage with their craft. The journey is less about pure triumph and more about a bittersweet reconciliation with their abilities and legacy, resulting in a victory that feels earned but complicated.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by the core arc of a veteran's redemption. They share a steady pace, a medium emotional weight, and a consistently bittersweet tone that balances the excitement of a comeback with the realities of age and regret, creating a satisfying and grounded viewing experience.

Unlock the Full Story of The Color of Money

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The Color of Money Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Color of Money, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Color of Money Summary

The Color of Money Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Color of Money with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Color of Money Timeline

The Color of Money Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Color of Money Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Color of Money

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Color of Money: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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