Review of The Sting (1973) by Alex K — 25 Jun 2009

In this continuing installment of Scene Selection crime does pay. Find out if you should rent or splurge this weekend. Prepare to be captivated either way.

Wit, charm, and theft. Components of one of the most fun films I have seen: â??The Sting.â?? This classic film may not excite the modern audience, but it is an excellent period piece along with some of the best actors ever. Not to mention, this was the best picture winner in 1974.

Robert Redford and Paul Newman star in this great con man film. Redford plays Johnny Hooker a small time crook in Chicago who steals from the wrong man. When his friend gets murdered, Hooker seeks out Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman), a down and out con artist, to plan one big con to swindle the biggest score Chicago has ever seen. This involves one of the most complex and twisting set-ups in film history, and the plot follows an unexpected path leading up to the pivotal third act.

The acting is phenomenal. Robert Redford garnered an Oscar nomination for his role. Paul Newman is brilliant in his supporting role as well. Redford seems to have an air about him that gives almost all of his characters a swagger, but he becomes serious very naturally as the story progresses. Newman lights up the screen, as always, with his toothy grin. The duo feed extremely well off of each other, and it is almost a follow up to â??Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,â?? their previous film together. Robert Shaw plays the â??villainâ?? of the film (because isnâ??t a crook a villain from a politically correct point of view) who has a great accent and is as big a cheat as Hooker and Gondorff. Five bonus points to whoever can name the role for which Robert Shaw is famous. (Hint: USS Indianapolis).

The setting of depression era Chicago is captured flawlessly on celluloid. The costumes, the cars, and the language translate well but it is the score that emanates the pure essence of the film. The music is based around old ragtime jazz especially one piece of music: â??The Entertainer.â?? It is light and fun like the film itself and provides the audio enhancement to fully restore the 1930s.

The final aspect of cinematography is nothing landmark, but it has a few excellent shots including long tracking shots of Redford walking as well as the classic 70s style zooms. One of the first shots in the film caught me eye as a man ascends a staircase. Though, it is the editing that makes this film much more interesting. There are title cards for each â??chapterâ?? of the story that look great as well as clever transitions including spot dissolves, page turns, and side-wipes. This is the stuff awards are made of.

Mosey on down to the store or library and search out â??The Stingâ?? because it is quite entertaining, even thirty years later. Just donâ??t pick pocket anyone after seeing it, because I do not endorse illegal activities.

As always, email me recommendations, comments or questions. Until the next exciting installment of Scene Selection, get busy livinâ?? or get busy dyinâ??