The Sting is a 1973 American caper film directed by George Roy Hill, starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Robert Shaw. The story is set in September 1936 and involves a complicated plot by two professional grifters to con a mob boss. The filmreceived critical acclaim and was a commercial success, winning several Oscars.
Plot
The plot revolves around two professional grifters, Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) and Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman), who seek revenge on a vicious crime lord, Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw), who murdered one of their gang.
Johnny wants to pull off a huge con on Lonnegan to avenge his partner's death, and he knows that Henry is the only guy to teach him how to do it. The two men devise an elaborate scheme to con Lonnegan, involving a fake off-track betting parlor and a rigged horse race. The film is known for its charm, humor, and clever twists, and is considered a classic in the caper genre.
Trailer
Cast
- Paul Newman as Henry Gondorff
- Robert Redford as Johnny Hooker
- Robert Shaw as Doyle Lonnegan
- Charles Durning as Lt. Wm. Snyder
- Ray Walston as J.J. Singleton
- Eileen Brennan as Billie
- Harold Gould as Kid Twist
- John Heffernan as Eddie Niles
- Dana Elcar as F.B.I. Agent Polk
- Jack Kehoe as Erie Kid
- Dimitra Arliss as Loretta
- Robert Earl Jones as Luther Coleman
- James Sloyan as Mottola
Director: George Roy Hill
Writer: David S. Ward. Robert Weverka
Box Office Gross: $156,000,000
Distributor: Universal Home Entertainment, MCA/Universal Home Video, Universal Pictures
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 25, 1973
Release Date (Streaming): May 8, 2015
Themes & Reception
The film The Sting (1973) is known for its various themes and was well-received by audiences and critics. Some of the themes in the movie include the art of the con, revenge, loyalty, and the unpredictability of life. The film's reception was warm, and it was praised for its storytelling, acting, and direction.
The movie's playful tone and mood were highlighted as strengths, and the unusual opening with an unfolding storybook was noted to set the stage for what the film had to offer. The chemistry between the lead actors, Paul Newman and Robert Redford, and the film's clever twists were also well-received, contributing to its status as a classic in the caper genre
Challenges Faced
The production of The Sting faced several challenges, including budget constraints and union disputes. However, these obstacles were overcome, and the movie's success at the box office solidified its place in cinematic history. The film continues to be celebrated and analyzed by film scholars and enthusiasts.
Despite the challenges, the movie's pacing and storytelling keep viewers engaged from beginning to end, and its characterdevelopment is skillfully handled, allowing audiences to become emotionally invested in the story.
Visual Styles & Techniques
The visual style and techniques of The Sting (1973) are notable for their unique and playful approach. The film begins with an unfolding storybook featuring key characters and scenes from the story, setting the tone and mood for the movie in an unusual and playful way.
This opening image sets the stage for the film's storytelling and contributes to its nostalgic and hybrid world, which combines elements from multiple eras. The movie's visual style blends comedy and drama, creating a distinct and memorable atmosphere that has contributed to its enduring popularity.
Setting
The settings in The Sting (1973) are primarily based in the 1930s and include locations such as Chicago and Joliet, Illinois. The film captures the essence of the era through its set designs, costumes, and props, creating a rich and immersive visual experience for the audience. The use of these settings helps to establish the tone and mood of the film, transporting viewers to a bygone era and setting the stage for the story's unfolding.
Trivia
The film is a hybrid of comedy and drama, borrowing elements from multiple eras to create a unique, nostalgic world that never existed.
The story begins with a standard con job on the streets of Joliet, Illinois, and ends with an elaborately staged, phony, off-track betting parlor in Chicago.
The role of Doyle Lonnegan was initially intended for American actor Richard Boone, but it ultimately went to English actor Robert Shaw, who was known for his role in "Jaws".
The film was a major success and solidified the status of Paul Newman and Robert Redford as Hollywood stars.
The Sting remains a favorite among movie enthusiasts and is often included in lists of the greatest films of all time.
Fun Fact
A fun fact about The Sting (1973) is that the film's director, George Roy Hill, had previously worked with Paul Newman and Robert Redford on the film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969). The success of that film led to the trio reuniting for "The Sting," which went on to become another major success and a classic in its own right.
