Review of The Sting (1973) by Jennifer B — 25 Feb 2010

"Dukey, if this thing blows up, the Feds will be the least of our problems".

In 1930s Chicago, a young con man seeking revenge for his murdered partner teams up with a master of the big con to win a fortune from a criminal banker.

REVIEW.

Films are generally considered classics if they excel to a great level on a certain point (acting, special effects, script, etc). But the beauty about `The Sting' is that it gets a perfect (not necessarily outstanding) mark on all levels. The movie perfectly balances humour, enjoyment, style and charm with a subtle hint of gloss to create an all round brilliant movie. The film is done in a slick old fashion with a bright, exuberant feel.

The majority of `The Sting' is set in 30's Chicago, not so much the hotbed of jazz, sex and murder in the current blockbuster hit. The image of Chicago is clearly a studio set with cardboard walls, but this adds to the old fashioned feel and the costumes, mannerisms, make-up etc. perfectly resemble the period in question. Above all else, `The Sting' is a sometimes vain, happy-go-lucky comedy. The heavier topics of murder and revenge don't get a chance to settle in, which is a good thing because the movie is best when it doesn't take itself to seriously. The soundtrack couldn't be better either. Scott Joplin's `The Entertainer' fits in with the environment that we are presented with.

The acting is quite good, in particular from Paul Newman and Robert Redford in the lead roles. They make a perfect duo and the chemistry between the two always feels natural. Redford's more energetic performance is slightly better than Newman's sedated veteran con-man part. Generally good support from Robert Shaw as the stereotypical bad guy, Eileen Brennan and Charles Durning.

The film is given the appropriate light touch so that even the most serious moments have that nostalgic glow to them. Another thing I like was the episodic division in the movie, so as each part is divided into chapters. `The Sting' is a simple but perfect movie, like a cross between `Paper Moon' and `Chicago' with the extra-added dose of glibness. Truly a classic if there ever was one.