The Sting

Set in the grimy, Depression-era Chicago of 1936, "The Sting" follows the story of Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford), a fledgling grifter whose partner, Luther Coleman, is murdered on the orders of the ruthless and powerful racketeer Doyle Lonnegan (Robert Shaw). Seeking vengeance, Hooker teams up with Henry Gondorff (Paul Newman), a seasoned master of the "big con."

Together, they assemble a motley crew of con artists to execute an elaborate and intricate scheme against Lonnegan. Their plan, known as "the wire," involves creating a fake off-track betting parlor to swindle Lonnegan out of a substantial sum of money. As they meticulously set their trap, the film unfolds in a series of carefully orchestrated steps, each one drawing their dangerous mark deeper into the deception. The narrative is punctuated by stylized title cards that divide the film into sections like "The Set-Up," "The Hook," and "The Wire," mirroring the stages of a classic confidence game.

"The Sting" is a masterclass in cinematic deception, exploring the idea that the art of the con is a form of storytelling where perception is reality. The director, George Roy Hill, crafts a narrative that not only cons its central antagonist but also the audience, leading them through a maze of misdirection and false assumptions. At its heart, the film is a celebration of cleverness and ingenuity over brute force. It posits that in a corrupt world of powerful criminals and compromised law enforcement, the meticulously planned con can serve as a form of poetic justice. The film ultimately conveys a message about the power of collaboration and trust, as the success of the elaborate sting hinges on the flawless execution and loyalty of a diverse team of grifters.

While "The Sting" is largely seen as a straightforward and cleverly plotted caper, some interpretations delve deeper into its structure and themes. One perspective views the entire film as a metanarrative about the art of filmmaking itself. The con artists are akin to a director (Gondorff), screenwriter, and actors, who create a believable world (the fake betting parlor) with sets, costumes, and props to manipulate their "audience" (Lonnegan). The film's self-aware structure, with its chapter-like title cards, supports this reading, suggesting that the audience is being let in on the craft of creating a compelling illusion, both as a con and as a movie.

Another interpretation focuses on the film as a form of social commentary. Set during the Great Depression, the story of clever individuals triumphing over a powerful, corrupt figure through wit rather than violence could be seen as an allegory for the common person's struggle against oppressive systems. The con men operate outside the law, but their target is a far greater and more brutal criminal, making them anti-heroes in a world where official channels of justice are ineffective. They represent a form of subversive, populist justice against the wealthy and ruthless.

"The Sting," released in 1973, was a massive critical and commercial success, providing a dose of nostalgic escapism for audiences weary of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. It was one of the highest-grossing films of its time and won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film revitalized the caper and heist genres, setting a new standard with its intricate plotting, witty screenplay, and charismatic leads. Its influence can be seen in countless subsequent films that blend crime with comedy and feature elaborate twists, such as the "Ocean's Eleven" series.

The most significant cultural impact was the popularization of Scott Joplin's ragtime music. Marvin Hamlisch's adaptation of Joplin's 1902 tune "The Entertainer" became a top-ten hit and sparked a global revival of the ragtime genre. The film's visual style, with its muted color palette and Edith Head's period-perfect costumes, also had a lasting influence on cinematic depictions of the 1930s. In 2005, "The Sting" was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant," cementing its status as an enduring American classic.

Upon its release, "The Sting" was met with widespread acclaim from audiences and critics alike, becoming a box office phenomenon. Audiences were captivated by the on-screen chemistry between Paul Newman and Robert Redford, their second collaboration with director George Roy Hill after the success of "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." The film was praised for its clever, intricate plot filled with satisfying twists and turns, which kept viewers guessing until the very end. The playful tone, witty dialogue, and stylish re-creation of the 1930s, enhanced by the popular ragtime score, were also major points of praise. The overall verdict was that it was a supremely entertaining and masterfully crafted piece of pure entertainment, a "feel-good" film that was both intelligent and charming. There was very little criticism, with most reviewers and viewers embracing it as a near-perfect example of the caper genre.