MovieChat Forums > The Color of Money (1986) Discussion > Why Eddie had to beat Vince

Why Eddie had to beat Vince

posted 12 years ago by tarababy28
3 replies | jump to latest

Eddie, at some point in the movie feels the need to beat Vince. It consumes him. The question is, why? Ego, pride, a drive to prove his generation? Age plays a huge factor in the film.

Eddie was Vince. He sees that. He is jealous. Jealous and sad at the same time. There are scenes where Eddie looks ponderous, alone--he's reflective of his youth and then there's Vince, his younger self, there in front of him and it saddens him, makes him realize that he's old and there isn't much time left. Mortality plays a part in this this, Eddie knowing that the end is near.

I believe beating Vince is the key to making Eddie feel young again...for the last time.

[–] pete-carlucci 12 years ago

I agree with your assessment of Eddie's motivations. I feel that there is also a component of Eddie's comparison between himself and his own handler, Bert Gordon, in The Hustler. Bert didn't have talent so he bought it and destroyed it at will. There are also a lot of elements of these memories in Eddie's treatment of Carmen due to his guilt over Sarah's suicide.

[–] nutsberryfarm 12 years ago

poor eddie.

Life's like a Cabo Carne Asada: never know how spicy it's gunna get.

[–] metsrus 8 years ago

the same reason he had to beat Minnesota Fats. Eddie hasn't changed.