George C Scott or Jackie Gleason?
Who did you think was better?
Both were nominated for the supporting oscar (won by George Chakiris).
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MovieChat Forums > The Hustler (1961) Discussion > George C Scott or Jackie Gleason?
Scott, by a long shot
shareScott, only because he had more screen time, but Gleason was fantastic with the little he had which showed he was a master. Scott though is one of the greatest actors of all-time. I've only watched this and Dr. Strangelove (Patton soon) which he's been involved in, but in those two performances...wow.
shareI'd like to say Scott because I think he's America's greatest ever actor, but actually, for the short time he's on, Gleason is pretty amazing. As Fats he appears so calm and assured that you really believe the character is this great, wise, unflappable, invincible, veteran pool-player. When Newman is playing again him, you feel like he's playing a legend rather than a man. I think a huge amount of that must be due to Gleason's acting.
shareScott was the more accomplished actor. Gleason's role was more unique. I'll go with Scott by an edge.
shareI'm going with Jackie Gleason. He doesn't say much but he inhabits the character as fully as any actor I've seen play a role. You can see written in his face and in his body language every compromise he's ever had to make to do the thing he does better than anybody else. One look at him tells you everything you need to know about the world of big time pool hustling.
But you'll get no kick from me if you go with George C. Scott. It's one of the best performances of his very great career.
Scott
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