THE STING
US, 1973, 129 minutes, Colour.
Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Robert Shaw, Ray Walston, Harold Gould.
Directed by George Roy Hill.
The Sting was a film that was seen by practically everyone and thoroughly enjoyed. It was a good example of all the calculation of film-makers being right on target in giving the public what it liked. The Academy seems to have been impressed as the film was given seven Oscars - film, director, music, editing, sets, costumes, screenplay. This means that the film, should be discussed as a film phenomenon of the 70's in terms of audience interest, theme choice and technical accomplishment. The people who made the film were also responsible for the success of - Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid four years earlier. Newman and Redford are a good team, although in this film Newman seems to step aside for Redford, except in the excellent card game in the train. George Roy Hill has directed some interesting films such as Slaughterhouse -Five; Toys in the Attic; The World of Henry Orient; Hawaii. The music was a very popular adaptation of Scott Joplin's work by Marvin Hamlisch, who won two other Oscars in 1973 for - The Way We Were.
The Sting recreated Chicago of the 1930's very vividly in sets and costumes. The film works in 'chapters' building up to the final confidence trick.
1. Was this film entertaining? Why did it win so many awards?
2. Comment on the nostalgia for the thirties. Did this add to the charm and interest of the film? Were the sets and costumes authentic? Did they add emphasis to the atmosphere? Comment on the credit sequences, and music.
3. The film used chapters. Was this style successful? Comment on zeroing in of the victim of the sting. Audience participation in the film.
4. How successful was the screenplay? Was the portrayal of the gangster world of the thirties well done? The overtones of the Depression?
5. The initial 'con' trick - were you taken in, was it humorous?
6. Did the deaths give a more serious tone and atmosphere to the film?
7. Lonegan - was he a villain, cold-blooded and arrogant? Bossing other people, gambling, self-discipline? Was he likeable? why?
8. Johnny Hooker - was he likeable? Was he a victim of the Depression and why did he become a confidence trickster? Comment on Robert Bedford's portrayal.
9. Henry Condorf - what kind of crook was he? Why did he respond to Hooker's challenge? Why did he demand such loyalty from his friends? Comment on Paul Newman's portrayal?
10. The 'con' itself - was it interesting, exciting, plausible?
11. How important to the success of the film was the supporting cast?
12. The importance of the poker game on the train? How did Paul Newman make this a successful, funny and enjoyable sequence? Did it move the theme along?
13. Comment on the setting up of the betting centre, the time element and audience participation. How did the characters of Twist and J.J. add to the enjoyment of the film with the perfection of their techniques - the dapper man, the racing commentaries? Did Snyder's pursuit of Hooker complicate the plot? Was the F.B.I, 'con' a success? Did you think they were the F.B.I, or not?
14. Comment on Hooker's involvement with the girl. Did you suspect she was the murderess?
15. Comment on the psychology used in getting Lonegan to place bets? Was this a plausible trick?
16. Was the finale and shooting a successful capping of the 'con'? Did the editing of the film succeed in giving pace to the action?
17. Why was this film so enjoyable and such a box office success?
