Film Snail

The Sting
The Sting

8.0

The Sting

PG·1973·129m

Summary

A novice con man teams up with an acknowledged master to avenge the murder of a mutual friend by pulling off the ultimate big con and swindling a fortune from a big-time mobster.

Crew

Director

George Roy Hill

Writer

David S. Ward

Reviews

John Chard

John Chard

September 9, 2019

10

Not only does it sting, it floats like a butterfly as well.

Academy Award Winner Best Picture, Academy Award Winner Best Director-George Roy Hill, Academy Award Winner Best Screenplay-David S. Ward, Academy Award Winner Best Editing-William Reynolds, Academy Award Winner Best Song Score-Marvin Hamlisch, Academy Award Winner Best Art Direction/Set Decoration-Bumstead & Payne, Academy Award Winner Best Costume Design-Edith Head, Nominated for Best Actor (Redford), Best Cinematography, Best Sound.

Few films can draw me in and indulge me on repeat viewings like The Sting does, it was barely 36 hours ago when I sat there talking to the screen offering advice like I was in the flipping film. I have seen it written that the film's success was only garnered because of the star appeal of the leads! Well for starters that is an insult to Robert Shaw who may be accused of overdoing it at times, but his portrayal of Lonnegan is a complete joy, witness the fury on his face during an on train poker game as the irrepressible Newman does comedy gold. Visually the film is a delight, and the story fuses together to culminate in an ending that not only stings with impact; but also floats like a cinematic butterfly. 10/10

Media

Status:

Released

Original Language:

English

Budget:

$5,500,000.00

Revenue:

$159,616,327.00

Keywords

bet
chicago, illinois
repayment
horse race
con man
mafia boss
heist
caper
ragtime
off track betting
sting operation
alley
1930s
mischievous
cautionary