The ultimate crime drama is 1973's The Sting. This is the story of a couple of grifters, played by Paul Newman and Robert Redford, trying to get back at a mob boss for the murder of a friend. They do it in the best way they know how: they try to con him in a confidence racket.
Nothing about The Sting is sub-par. But there are standout amazing aspects. The writing is spectacular. Great care was put into making these guys actually speak like con men from the 1930's. Lines abound with slang terminology like "These guys must be the quill!" that are quite unfamiliar to modern audiences, yet context always allows us to understand what is meant. Listening to what is said transports us back in time. And all that's before we even consider the plot, which is great and well thought out. There even are aspects of the plot that seem like plot holes, yet upon reflection make sense.
The music is marvelous. The score for The Sting is among my favorites of all time. Marvin Hamlisch gets credit for adapting the score, which he borrowed almost entirely from Scott Joplin piano rags. The result is a musical experience; we see the world of the 30's, while at the same time hearing that world's music.
The art department did a great job as well; everything from matte paintings to sets to the costumes and props looks authentic and genuine. The life and world of a Chicago grifter comes to life in a way that may never be seen again.
The acting is great -Redford and Newman are having a jolly good time, and Robert Shaw has one of his most memorable parts. The pacing is wonderful, with the film broken up into segments such as "the set up," "the tale," and "the sting." The direction good, the editing fine, the ending sublime.
This is one of those films where the good guys are not that good, but you cheer for them anyway when they come out on top.
Entertainment: 9/10
Artistic Value: 7/10
Technical Merit: 8/10
Overall: 8/10
P.S. Music: 10/10!!!
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