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Paul Newman Tribute
By JARROD ANNIS
del.ico.us
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The consummate buddy flick and one of the preeminent underdog stories together in one double feature? Yes, please. In tribute to the charms of the late Paul Newman, the Brattle Theatre will be showing Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Hustler back to back, all on new 35mm prints.
The Hustler (1961) follows Fast Eddie—one of Newman's early roles that helped define his cool-rebel persona—a down-on-his-luck pool shark, as he risks it all for the big time. The Hustler helped establish Newman as one of Hollywood's greatest leading men—the movie was nominated for nine Oscars, winning two, including Best Cinematography. Shit, it was so good Scorsese decided to make a sequel 25 years later, which also won an Oscar for, guess who, Newman [ridiculously, his only one—Ed.].
One of the best Mutt & Jeff duos in film history, Newman and Robert Redford tear through the old West in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969). The first of their outlaw buddy movies, Butch Cassidy is one of the only films that can make robbing banks look like a good-natured romp, while maintaining its badassedness at the same time.
These films encapsulate exactly what made Newman an icon: nonchalance coupled with a gritty sincerity. Whether it was solo or with his preferred on-screen chum, this tribute serves as a fitting testament to the laid-back machismo that made Newman one of the all-time greats.
[A Tribute to Paul Newman: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid double feature with The Hustler. Wed 12.3.08 to Sun 12.7.08. The Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Harvard Sq., Cambridge. 617.876.6837. showtimes vary/$7.50-$9.50. brattlefilm.org]