One hundred years of Paul Newman: where to see the masterpieces of this unrepeatable actor of blue look

A hundred years after his birth, we continue to admire not only the actor, but the man: a human being whose life was a testimony of passion, integrity and love. The glow of the eyes of Paul Newman It remains in their films, and most are available in Filmin or Prime Video.

On January 26, 1925, in a small suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, a boy named was born Paul Leonard Newman, that years later would become one of the most emblematic and adored actors in Hollywood. Son of Arthur Sigmund Newman, a prosperous entrepreneur of sporting articles, and Theresa Fettsko, a woman of Slovak ancestry who instilled her love for the arts since childhood, Paul was a fascinating mixture of determination, charm and sensitivity. His legacy transcends the screen, because in addition to being a film star, he was a committed philanthropist, a passionate race pilot and a man who lived intensely each of his 83 years.

In this centenary of his birth, the figure of Paul Newman It shines more than ever, as if the flashes of its famous blue look still illuminate the screens of the entire world. His life was a history of contrasts, between the modesty that always characterized him and the intensity of his magnetism. Newman never sought to be the center of attention, but could not avoid it; He had an innate quality that made it impossible not to look at him, a light that not only defined his career, but touched all those who knew him.

As a child, Paul showed a unique temperament. Although he grew up in a comfortable home, far from glamor that would define his future, his family life was not exempt from tensions. His father hoped he would follow the family business, but Paul felt his place was elsewhere, in a universe where he could explore his creativity. His mother, always encouraging, saw in his son something special: “Your eyes reflect more than heaven; they reflect what you feel,” I said. It was in high school where he discovered his love for performance, participating in school productions and surprising everyone with their ease to connect with the public. After a brief passage from the University of Ohio, where he was expelled for mischief, Newman entered the Navy during World War II. He served as a radio operator in a torpedo squad, an experience that not only gave him discipline, but made him value life with an unusual depth for someone of his age. The rise of a star after the war, Newman decided to pursue his dreams of acting, enrolling at the University of Yale And later in the legendary Actor’s Studio de New York, where he studied under the direction of Lee Strasberg. It was here that he perfected his technique and developed a style that combined emotional intensity with a naturalness that captivated. In the mid -50s, Paul Newman debuted on Broadway and shortly thereafter in the cinema, although his first leading role in the silver chalice (The Silver Chalice1954) was a disaster that almost ruins his career. Newman later described her as “The worst film produced in the 1950s” And when she was broadcast on television for the first time in 1966, she published an advertisement in a Hollywood newspaper apologizing for her performance and recommending not seeing it, which was counterproductive, and the transmission obtained high audience rates.

That failure did not stop him. His great opportunity came in 1956 with Marked by hate (HolyBody Up There Likes Me), where he played the Boxy Rocky Graziano. The performance not only consolidated its position as an actor, but marked the beginning of a race that would cover more than five decades. His magnetism on the screen was almost supernatural. With those eyes that seemed to contain the weight of all human emotions and a charism that overflowed naturalness, Newman became a symbol of masculinity and vulnerability, a rare combination that distinguished him from his contemporaries. The man behind the myth despite his success, Paul Newman never let fame dominate him.

He was a man who never lost contact with his roots, despite the fact that the world raised him to the icon category. The artist and his film legacy throughout his career, Paul Newman worked with some of the best Hollywood directors, including Martin Scorsese, Sidney Lumet y Robert Altman.

However, as he said at the time: “The awards are pleasant, but they are not the engine of my life. The important thing is to do something that makes sense.” Beyond his work, Newman dedicated himself to inspiring others. From young actors who were looking for advice to common people who admired their integrity, he embodied what meant not only a star, but an exceptional human being. A centenary who celebrates a full life in this centenary of his birth, Paul Newman is still today (or perhaps today more than ever) an example of how to live with authenticity, passion and purpose. His films, his philanthropy and his legacy as a husband, father and friend remind us that greatness does not reside in perfection, but in the commitment to be faithful to oneself. Newman not only left us an impressive catalog of unforgettable actions; He left us a life lesson: to live intensely, love deeply and give generously.

10 films to remember Paul Newman

THE BUSINESS (1961) In this classic drama, Newman plays Eddie Felson, a talented but arrogant pool player who seeks to redeem himself after several failures. An electrifying performance that defined his career.

The cat on hot zinc roof (1958) next to Elizabeth TaylorNewman shines as Brick Pollitt, a man tormented by his internal demons in this adaptation of Tennessee Williams’s work.

Two men and a destination (1969) In this unforgettable western, Newman and Robert Redford embody two outlaw charismers trying to escape their destiny with humor and courage.

The color of money (1986) sequel to THE BUSINESS, Directed by Martin Scorsese. Newman takes up the role of Eddie Felson, now a mentor who guides a young prodigy (Tom Cruise).

The indomitable legend (1967) In this film about rebellion and resistance, Newman plays Luke Jackson, a prisoner that becomes a symbol of freedom. His phrase “What we have here is a failure of communication” is iconic.

Final verdict (1982) In this judicial drama directed by Sidney Lumet, Newman offers one of his most moving interpretations as an alcoholic lawyer in search of redemption.

Torn curtain (1966) under the direction of Alfred Hitchcock, Newman plays a scientist trapped in an international intrigue with Julie Andrews.

HUD, the wildest between a thousand (1963) a cross between “splendor in the grass” and “wells of ambition”, this classic directed by Martin rides (“The cover”) and starring Newman with a plethoric Patricia Neal studies the harsh rural conditions of deep America ravaged by oil wells. Newman shines like Hud Bannon, a young cynical and selfish who faces the complexities of morality in a drama loaded with intensity.

Road to Perdition (2002) In one of his last roles, Newman plays a gangsted boss in this film directed by Sam Mendes. His performance earned him an Oscar nomination.

The blow (in English, The Sting) Directed by George Roy Hill in 1973, the film brought together Paul Newman and Robert Redford after their joint work in two men and a destination (Butch Cassidy and The Sunday Kid).

The colossus in flames (1974) A disaster cinema classic, where Newman leads a star cast as an architect who tries to save lives during a catastrophic fire.

Bonus Track:

Exodus (Exodus, 1960) Based on the homonym novel of 1958, written by Leon Uris, deals with the foundation of the state of Israel in 1948. Produced and directed by Otto Premarger, they accompany Newman Eva Marie Saint, Ralph Richardson, Peter Lawford, Lee Lee J. Cobb, Sal Mineo, John Derek, Hugh Griffith, Gregory Braff, Felix Aylmer, David Opatoshu, Jill Haworth and Marius Goring.

Absence of malice (1981) directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Paul Newman and Sally Field. A reporter is deceived by a politician in order to write a series of articles that discredit an innocent man.