“How should I play that one, Bert? Play it safe? That’s the way you always told me to play it: safe… play the percentage. Well, here we go: fast and loose. One ball, corner pocket. Yeah, percentage players die broke, too, don’t they, Bert? How can I lose?” Fast Eddie Felson (the late
Paul Newman) stated in 1961′s The Hustler. That statement symbolized Newman’s life and career until he died on September 26th. Newman once described his motivations for choosing a film script based on a sensory reaction to the material. “Every time I get a script it’s a matter of trying to know what I could do with it. I see colors, imagery. It has to have a smell. It’s like falling in love. You can’t give a reason why.” No matter what film or subject matter, Newman’s interest in his work never left the screen. His infamous blue eyes sparkled regardless of the type of trouble any of his characters were in such as being chased by the law in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. He played a mixture of moral and amoral characters with the same zeal no matter what. Let’s take a look back on the career of a prolific and talented actor who lived as if everyday was an adventure. Here are listing of twelve of Newman’s most memorable film roles and three additional films worth mentioning based on Newman’s performance. Take some time to watch each one of these films and enjoy some samples from Newman’s illustrious career.
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