The Sting (1973)

The Sting (1973) is one of my wife's favorite movies. It was nice to watch one of her favorites with her, especially as I had never seen the film before. Yeah, I'd manage to tumble through 32 years of life without ever having laid eyes on The Sting. I mean, I knew it was a thing; I knew it was a movie. I didn't actively avoid it. It just wasn't ever on my radar.

But a few days ago, I fixed that, with an ebullient wife by my side.

I. What is It?

This is the story of two low-level conmen who knock over a mark. But that mark worked for one of the biggest mobsters in Chicago. And that mobster takes his revenge, by killing one of those cons, and declaring an open contract on the other. But that remaining con aint going down without a fight. He bands together with the confidence man community, enraged at the loss of one of their own, and plans the biggest con in the history of cons.

II. Painterly

This movie is beautiful to look at. It looks like Norman Rockwell paintings come to life. The colors are vibrant, the staging exquisite, and the shot composition is masterful. Robert Surtees' photography is masterful, soulful and gorgeous.

This movie had a five-and-a-half million dollar budget, and it shows: every little detail hums with life. The sets are livid in, evocative, and make for a compelling backdrop to the action of the film. You could watch this movie with the sound off and just enjoy the level of detail and craftsmanship in the backgrounds. The costumes are fashionable, and help tell the stories of their characters with clever details and color schemes.

The opulence on display here is staggering.

III. Dynamic Duo

Paul Newman and Robert Redford were the OG Hollywood superstars, whose chemistry was (arguably) unrivaled. Newman is all wizened cool as Henry, and Redford is a ball of pent-up energy as Hooker. Together, they are sides of the same coin, and the movie rests on their ability to sell the con, sell their friendship, and sell the fun. And boy, do they. One hears about Newman and Redford, echoed in the hallowed halls of Hollywood lore, and one is tempted to write it off as fluff. But they were the real deal. The Sting proves it.

The rest of the cast is rounded out with sure-handed character work. Eileen Brennan is a tough-as-nails, no-nonsense madam, and runs away with the role. Robert Shaw is an icy villain, and lends all of his power to the role of Doyle Lonnegan. Look, I could run down the IMDB page, but I won't: just trust me, the ensemble in this movie is on fire.

IV. Bait and Switch

I won't spoil it, but this film has a wonderful bait and switch con job. Going in clean is best: you'll enjoy it more.

What I will say is that I heartily enjoyed the Con Man twist on the heist genre. Plots within plots, and turns within turns are on the top of the menu. Director, George Roy Hill, keeps the action moving fairly quickly: even at 129 minutes, the film feels brisk. David S. Ward's screenplay is fun, cool and witty. At one point Henry asks Hooker why Hooker wants to do this con. Hooker responds: "Because I don't know enough about killing to kill him." That's just excellent.

One thing I really liked about this film is that it takes you through the stages of a con: the film is broken down into chapters, that are each named after specific stages of a con routine. This helps the viewer keep track of the action, gives you a glimpse into a world you've probably never lived in (replete with its own lingo and nicknames). I like it when movies build themselves like novels, and The Sting manages to do this in an entertaining way.

V. The Music

Marvin Hamlisch's score is divine. He adapts and remixes Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer," and weaves it into a kind of opera to prop up the action of the film. It is, by turns, equal parts ferris wheel joyride, haunting ode, and tension builder. It is a wonderful reimagining of a classic piece of ragtime, and the movie pulses with it. You could put this soundtrack on and go about your day, completely independent of the film, and just enjoy the music. It's that good.

VI. Should You See It?

Absolutely, yes. This is one of the best heist films ever made. It is Hollywood extravagance at its finest. It features dual leads from two of Hollywood's legends. Everyone involved is humming in their A-game. It is clever, and fun, and an overall joy to behold. The Sting is the reason you watch movies. Go and watch it already. And, if you've seen it already, go and watch it again.

Miscellany

- Legend has it that Robert Redford didn't actually watch this movie until 2004, 31 years after its release.
- John Scarne was a techincal director on this film, and it is HIS hands that perform all of Henry's card tricks.
- Jack Nicholson was offered the role of Hooker, but turned it down.
- This was the only time Redford has been nominated for a Leading Actor award at the Oscars. It was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and walked away with SEVEN.
- Marvin Hamlisch was wary of accepting composing duties for this film. He was a composer of original music, and didn't want to adapt existing work. He was allowed to watch a cut of the film, and immediately changed his mind, having been wowed at the final product.
- Producer Julia Phillips was the first woman to be nominated for, and win, an Academy Award for Best Picture.
- According to screenwriter David S. Ward, "the sting" refers to the moment that a con man separates a mark from their money.
- In 2005, the film was selected for preservation in The National Film Registry.