Giving props to Paul Newman: The legendary actor's essential films

Paul Newman

Paul Newman was a very unique actor.

He arrived during the slow demise of the studio system but he pre-dated the "new Hollywood" boom of the late '60s and early '70s.

He was a Method actor who trained with the legendary Lee Strasberg and yet he is rarely viewed as a contemporary of James Dean, Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift -- even though he was.

Perhaps because his good looks and his career endured so much longer and straddled so many periods of film compared to his peers -- it's been hard to classify Newman.

In so many ways he is the quintessential movie star in the same vein as people like Brad Pitt and George Clooney are today. But he was also an incredible humanitarian, a political activist and a thoughtful, nuanced actor who wasn't afraid to show and edgy vulnerability in an above-the-title role.

He has always been a favorite actor of my father's -- he often calls Cool Hand Luke his favorite film -- so I was introduced to him at a fairly early age. I loved his collaborations with Robert Redford, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting, two perfect films that created the blueprint for the modern buddy comedy-adventure.

Like so many leading men, Newman struggled early in his career to be viewed as something more than just a pretty face. He finally started earning more accolades for his later work, in which the still startlingly handsome actor began to portray a more grizzled persona. This may be my favorite version of Newman -- but he really was an icon at any age.

For those who only know him as the charitable face behind the Newman's Own franchise, I've compiled this list of what I consider to be his essential films/performances.

Hud

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) - This gorgeous, incredibly well acted adaptation of Tennessee Williams' classic play is best enjoyed if you approach it with the understanding that Newman's character, Brick, is a closeted gay man. The censorship of the era prevented the film from going there. But Newman's searing performance (opposite a never-better Elizabeth Taylor and Burl Ives) speaks volumes.

The Hustler (1961) - Quite possibly Newman's best and most iconic performance from his early career. He plays "Fast Eddie" Felson, a cocky and in-over-his-head pool hustler who's life takes a tragic turn when he tries to topple a legendary player, the easily under-estimated Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason). This movie oozes effortless cool.

Hud (1963) - A complex character study about a selfish, womanizing cowboy who clashes with his old-fashioned father in a small Texas town. Newman once again shows his ability to imbue inherently unlikable characters with enough charm and sensitivity to make them totally engaging and irresistible.

Cool Hand Luke (1967) - Newman plays the heroic (even Christ-like) titular character is this classic movie set in a prison. The movie's anti-conformity message resonates to this day and Newman's performance as the tirelessly irrepressible Luke is one of this most moving and memorable.

Paul Newman on the set of Slap Shot

Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid (1969) - The first pairing of Redford and Newman is a western classic. The episodic (and comedic) adventure has it all. It's beautifully shot, has a perfect score and the chemistry between its stars can't be beat. Newman plays the motormouth "brains" behind their bandit duo and he shows off his flair for comedy throughout.

The Sting (1973) - Although Redford has the more dominant role in this best picture winner, Newman gets plenty of opportunities to shine. One of my favorite Newman scenes ever is when he plays an uncouth drunk in order to rope in the target of the heroes' heist. One of the all-time best Hollywood capers.

Slap Shot (1977) - Newman once called this raucous and proudly politically incorrect sports comedy his favorite movie that he ever made. It's certainly an enduring cult classic. This vulgar, violent ode to the spirit of hockey is a great showcase for the aging actor, who plays a relatively pathetic character who is trying to get one last moment of glory. A "fun" movie with a very bittersweet ending.

The Verdict (1982) - As I've written before, this may be the greatest legal film of all time. It definitely contains Newman's best late career performance as a down-on-his-luck, hard-drinking lawyer who sees a medical malpractice case as his shot at redemption. It's a chance to see darker shades of the Newman persona and a gravitas that has come from a career of excellent performances.

The Color of Money (1986) - Newman finally won the best actor Oscar for his reprisal of the Eddie Felson role in this underrated Hustler sequel directed by Martin Scorsese. This time Felson serves as a mentor to a natural pool player (a terrific Tom Cruise) who he molds (for better-or-for-worse) into a manipulative hustler not unlike his former self. A powerful, visually dynamic film and one of my favorite Newman performances.