Paul Newman – Hollywood Star and his Films
He was called “the new James Dean” and “the second Marlon Brando” because he combined introverted boyish charm with a strong, masculine personality. Born in 1925, Paul Newman was the son of a Jewish shopkeeper and a Catholic woman of Hungarian descent. During World War II, he served as a radio operator in the Navy Air Corps, but later decided to become an actor. He studied at Yale and the Actors’ Studio in New York, and made his stage debut in William Inge’s Broadway play “Picnic”. He almost immediately found his way into film, appearing in the very poor historical drama “The Silver Chalice” in 1954, but this failure only strengthened his motivation. His next role as boxer Rocky Graziano in “Somebody Up There Likes Me”(1954) proved to be a real hit. A great Hollywood star was born, who became the embodiment of a rebellious, handsome man with principles for several generations of viewers.
Newman’s career was facilitated by his unique appearance: an athletic physique and unique sea-blue eyes. The actor was married twice: to Jackie Witte and Joanne Woodward. He had three children in each marriage. With his second wife, he formed what was considered an extremely happy Hollywood marriage. Joanne Woodward became not only the star’s life partner, but also his great muse. Fourteen years after his acting debut in a film, Paul Newman also took up directing, casting his own wife in the lead role of his outstanding drama “Rachel, Rachel”. Woodward and her daughter, Nell Potts, also appeared later in his highly acclaimed film “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigold”s (1972).
Paul Newman’s extraordinary talent as an actor was recognized with numerous awards. He won an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in Martin Scorsese’s “The Color of Money”. He also received two honorary Oscars: in 1986 and 1994. The first was “many and memorable compelling screen performances and for his personal integrity and dedication to his craft” while the second was in gratitude for his humanitarian work. The star founded an organization to help sick children, and after his son’s death from a drug overdose, he also established an anti-drug foundation. In addition, he created the food company Newman’s Own, whose profits are donated to charity. In addition to his big heart, Newman’s love of car racing and cooking became his trademarks. The actor was the author of several cookbooks. He died in 2008. Here is a selection of 10 outstanding film performances by Paul Newman.
Paul Newman – best movies
1. ”Somebody Up There Likes Me”, 1956
Among Paul Newman’s best roles, one that certainly deserves mention is the one that was his ticket to the big screen, namely his performance in the film “Somebody Up There Likes Me” directed by Robert Wise. Here, the actor played the legendary boxer Rocky Graziano, the middleweight world champion. The protagonist had a difficult childhood and grew up in a poor Italian neighborhood. He is in serious trouble with the law: he is sent to prison for numerous thefts and robberies, and his time on the front lines of World War II ends with an assault on his commander and desertion. However, the situation changes when Rocky starts training in boxing. Paul Newman brilliantly showed his skills in “Somebody Up There Likes Me”
On screen, he exudes an unusual mixture of aggression and innate talent. He creates an image that will then return in various forms throughout his career: a handsome outsider with extraordinary determination. It is no coincidence that after this role, the actor was compared to James Dean, because originally it was Dean who was supposed to play Graziano, but he died tragically in a car accident. What’s more, Newman is partnered in the film by the beautiful Pier Angeli, who was closely associated with Dean in private life. The movie won three Oscars and brought Newman great recognition.
2. ”Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”, 1958
Paul Newman quickly proved himself to be an excellent dramatic actor, giving a stunning performance in Richard Brooks’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”. The film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play, in which he starred opposite Liz Taylor, was a huge success and became a cinema classic. Thanks to this and Newman’s next role in another Williams adaptation (“Sweet Bird of Youth”), his resemblance to Marlon Brando, who had starred in “A Streetcar Named Desire” a few years earlier, was noticed. “Cat…” tells the story of a wealthy plantation owner who invites his adult sons and their wives to his birthday party. The gathering is not only an opportunity to bring up old conflicts between loved ones, but above all for each of the characters to confront their own deeply hidden secrets.
Paul Newman and Liz Taylor created an extremely successful duo here, in which we can observe an exquisite erotic game. Extremely handsome, but at the same time unapproachable and introverted, Brick fascinates the viewer as much as his beautiful wife, Maggie. What secret is the protagonist hiding? This guy, who strolls through most of the film in a bathrobe with a glass of whiskey in his hand, took the audience by storm, especially with the beautiful Liz Taylor by his side in white high heels and a satin negligee. It’s a truly explosive combination that is impossible to forget. No wonder both lead actors received Oscar nominations. For Paul Newman, it was the first of ten such nominations.
3. ”The Hustler”, 1961
Paul Newman’s iconic role as Eddie Felson in the film “The Hustler.” The actor plays a talented player who uses his talent to earn a large sum of money. Unfortunately, his attempt to defeat the legend, a man nicknamed “Minnesota Fats,” in a pool match ends in spectacular failure. Will Eddie recover from this experience? And what will he be willing to sacrifice to get his revenge on his rival? The title of the film is ambiguous, as “hustler” also means a swindler, which refers to the character’s playing strategy. Robert Rossen’s film is based on the novel by Walter Tevis and won two Oscars: for cinematography and set design. It is no coincidence that the artistry with which the cramped, smoke-filled billiard halls, provoking extreme emotions, are shown here was appreciated. “The Hustler” is a classic sports movie and a profound analysis of a passion that can become an obsession.
Newman himself earned another Oscar nomination. After this film, the actor’s immortal, distinctive image—with a pool cue in his hand—went down in cinema history. It is worth mentioning that he was excellently partnered on screen by Jackie Gleason in the role of Minnesota Fats. The pool scenes were performed by the actors themselves.
4. ”Hud”, 1963
One of Paul Newman’s outstanding roles, showcasing his acting versatility. “Hud”, directed by Martin Ritt, is a western adapted from Larry McMurtry’s novel “Horseman, Pass”. The film tells the story of a conflict between a father and son, or rather an attempt to break free from the family burden and bring about a personal revolution. The title character, Hud Bannon, decides to rebel against the traditional values represented by his father and rejects the cowboy’s view of the world. At the same time, however, he is a hero torn between the legacy of the past, which is being degraded and becoming obsolete before his very eyes, and an uncertain future.
“Hud” won three Oscars: for best cinematography, which beautifully captured the vast Texas ranches, and for the performances of two actors: Patricia Neal and Melvyn Douglas. Newman himself received another nomination for his performance, but he would have to wait a little longer for the statuette.
5. ”Cool Hand Luke”, 1967
Paul Newman’s wildly popular role was in the film “Cool Hand Luke”, directed by Stuart Rosenberg. The movie was based on a novel by Don Pearce. The main character of the film is Lucas Jackson, a war veteran who is sentenced to two years in prison for a crime committed under the influence of alcohol. Lucas destroyed parking meters, but his actions had a deeper motivation: he was an enemy of the social system, which he considered oppressive. He continued to flaunt his rebellious attitude in prison, refusing to submit to the rules of the institution and attempting to escape.
The daring scene of Lucas’s duel with the head of the prison mafia, Draglin (played by Oscar-winning George Kennedy), and the scene where the protagonist bets on eating fifty eggs have gone down in cinema history. Paul Newman gave his character the traits of steadfastness in the face of all possible twists and turns of fate. Regardless of his failures, Lucas, like in a boxing match, constantly gets back up and throws life another challenge.
6. “The Sting”, 1973
Among Paul Newman’s best roles, one cannot fail to mention his performance in the film “The Sting,” directed by George Roy Hill. It is an example of a phenomenal duo of two great stars. Newman starred alongside Robert Redford, repeating the formula that had been so well received by audiences in Hill’s western “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”. The story of two robbers set in the Wild West became a model for other star duos. “The Sting” is a nostalgic gangster movie, made in the form of a pastiche of the genre’s classics. Set in the 1930s, two con artists want to settle the score with a dangerous mobster (Robert Shaw) responsible for the death of their friend. So they come up with a scam that will allow them to take revenge on their enemy.
This retro crime film received 10 Oscar nominations and won seven statuettes, including Best Picture and Best Director. The retro poetics harmonize with lightness and humor, as well as a meticulously crafted plot. All these elements are brought together by the Academy Award-winning music. The main theme of the soundtrack is Scott Joplin’s 1902 ragtime piece “The Entertainer.” Juliusz Machulski’s Polish film “Vabank” (1981) references “The Sting”.
7. ”The Towering Inferno”, 1974
The unforgettable duo of Paul Newman and Steve McQueen starred in John Guillermin’s film “The Towering Inferno”. Based on two books inspired by real events in São Paulo, the film tells the story of a fire in a newly built skyscraper. In San Francisco, an investor, the chief architect, city officials, and the cream of society arrive for the inauguration of a new, impressive skyscraper. Unexpectedly, the electrical system fails, causing a huge fire. A dangerous battle with the elements and a fight for life begins, during which people’s basest instincts, but also their noblest impulses, come to the fore.
Paul Newman plays the architect of the skyscraper, while Steve McQueen plays the fire chief. Both give impressive performances on screen, showcasing both their physical prowess and excellent acting skills. The scenes requiring stunt skills were performed by Newman himself, which further demonstrated his abilities and reinforced his image as a strong man. Today, “The Towering Inferno” is considered a classic of disaster cinema, and although the special effects from several decades ago cannot compete with current techniques, the film is still watched with interest. The film won three Oscars, including for Best Film Editing and Best Cinematography.
8. ”The Verdict”, 1982
Paul Newman’s film roles in the 1980s proved to be as fascinating and revealing as those from previous decades. An example of this trend is Sidney Lumet’s film “The Verdict,” in which the actor played the role of Frank Galvin, a burnt-out, alcoholic lawyer. When he lands a lucrative case involving a breach of medical ethics, he decides to use it to revive his career. However, as he delves deeper into the events, he decides to fight for truth and justice, but also for himself.
His portrayal of an alcoholic breaking free from his addiction was met with critical acclaim. In addition, Lumet’s film deals with an important topic and has a well-constructed narrative. The director, known for his famous courtroom drama “Twelve Angry Men,” does not disappoint in this case, aided, of course, by outstanding actors. Newman is partnered on screen by the charming Charlotte Rampling.
9. ”The Colour of Money”, 1986
“The Color of Money” earned Paul Newman his only Oscar for Best Actor. However, it could be said that Scorsese’s film was a repeat of a story told many years earlier (formally, it is its sequel), as well as a creation that gave the actor a unique position in the world of cinema, namely his role in “The Hustler”. In “The Color of Money”, Newman played an experienced gambler, Eddie “Fast” Felson, who becomes a mentor and then a rival to a young adept of the art, Vincent (played by Tom Cruise). Although the star himself was sensational, the film is not as thrilling as the aforementioned title. But with outstanding actors, it often happens that the Academy appreciates them a little too late and not necessarily for their greatest achievements.
The film was also nominated for Oscars in the categories of Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Art Direction, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio received an honorable mention for her performance. However, it is not the suspenseful, powerful gangster film we know from Scorsese’s later work. Rather, it is a preview of certain themes and the overall atmosphere, although it is certainly worth watching for Newman.
10. ”Road to Perdition”, 2002
Paul Newman’s last truly great role was as the head of the Irish mafia operating in Chicago in the 1930s in Sam Mendes’ film “Road to Perdition”. Although a supporting character, he deserves great recognition. The main character of the film is Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks), who works for a dangerous gang and whose son becomes an unwitting witness to a murder. For this reason, his entire family is sentenced to death: one of his children and his wife are killed. The man wants revenge and, together with his surviving son, sets off for a town called “Perdition”
The incredible, nostalgic atmosphere of the film, created by Conrad Hall’s beautiful cinematography, elaborate costumes, and Thomas Newman’s music, will remain in your memory for a long time. The role of the exceptionally vivid imagery stems, among other things, from the fact that “Road to Perdition” is a film adaptation of a comic book. A peculiar self-referentiality is introduced into the plot by the character of the psychopathic reporter Maguire (Jude Law), who meticulously documents the crimes. The criminal intrigue is deepened by psychological aspects, especially the nuances of the complicated father-son relationship in its various manifestations.
