Setting Up the Big Con
“The Sting,” directed by George Roy Hill and released in 1973, stands as one of the most iconic con movies ever made. It not only captured the imaginations of audiences but also set a high standard for the genre. At its core, the film is a meticulous orchestration of deception, driven by a clever screenplay by David S. Ward and memorable performances by Paul Newman and Robert Redford.
The narrative of “The Sting” revolves around a complex con pulled off by a pair of professional grifters, Henry Gondorff and Johnny Hooker. These characters, portrayed by Newman and Redford respectively, are crafted with depth and charisma, making their elaborate scam believable and engaging. The film is set in 1936, a time when America was reeling from the Great Depression, a setting that adds a layer of desperation and grit to the storyline.
Character Introductions and Establishing Motives
Johnny Hooker, a small-time grifter, sets the plot in motion following a murder that thrusts him into a dangerous game against a ruthless crime boss, Doyle Lonnegan. Hooker’s introduction is carefully framed to showcase his youthful bravado and impulsiveness, traits that define his character throughout the film. After his partner is killed by Lonnegan’s men as retribution for a previous con, Hooker seeks out Henry Gondorff, a seasoned and somewhat retired con man, to help him take down Lonnegan through a high-stakes scam.
Henry Gondorff, on the other hand, is introduced as a character who has fallen from grace but still retains a sharp mind for the game. Gondorff’s expertise in the art of the con makes him the perfect mentor and partner for Hooker. His introduction, emerging from a haze of alcohol-induced obscurity, marks the beginning of a transformation both for him and for the plot. Gondorff’s decision to join forces with Hooker and go after Lonnegan is not driven solely by financial gain but also by a personal code of honor among thieves—a nuanced aspect that Newman portrays with a mixture of weariness and sly charm.
Crafting the Plot of the Con
The initial setup of the con is a masterclass in screenwriting. David S. Ward structures the con itself as a series of carefully arranged stages, each designed to hook Lonnegan and his associates deeper into the scam. The screenplay cleverly introduces the concept of the “wire,” a fake betting parlor where Lonnegan is meant to lose a substantial amount of money on a horse racing gamble. This setup serves as the backbone of the film’s plot, around which all actions and reactions revolve.
One of the key elements in the setup phase is the recruitment of a team capable of pulling off such an ambitious scam. This includes a motley crew of grifters who specialize in various aspects of the con game—from the forger who creates the fake betting sheets to the inside man who plays the role of the bookie. Each character is given a moment to shine, establishing their skills and personalities, which not only enriches the narrative but also adds a layer of authenticity to the con.
Use of Props and Setting in the Con
The setting of the film in the 1930s is exploited to its full extent, with period-appropriate props and locations that immerse the audience in the era. The opulence of the train where Hooker and Gondorff first con Lonnegan contrasts sharply with the grimy backstreets where Hooker lives. This contrast not only heightens the stakes of the con but also visually represents the socio-economic themes of the era—themes of desperation, disparity, and the lengths to which people will go to claw their way out of poverty.
Props like the telegram and the switchboard play crucial roles in the con, serving as tools through which the grifters communicate and manipulate information. The use of such period-specific technologies not only adds to the authenticity of the setting but also cleverly integrates these elements into the mechanics of the con, showing how even the simplest objects can become instruments of deception in the hands of skilled con artists.
The Art of Misdirection
In “The Sting,” misdirection is not merely a narrative technique, but a thematic underpinning that permeates every aspect of the film. The success of the con, and thus the film itself, relies heavily on the ability to mislead, to dazzle, and to confuse both the mark within the story and the audience watching it. Director George Roy Hill and screenwriter David S. Ward masterfully employ a range of cinematic and narrative tools to create a web of deception that is as entertaining as it is bewildering.
Cinematic Techniques of Misdirection
One of the most effective tools in the film’s arsenal is its use of the cinematic technique of cross-cutting, which is used to superb effect to orchestrate the rhythm of the con. By cutting between different scenes and actions, the filmmakers keep the audience guessing about the characters’ true intentions and the con’s next steps. This technique is evident in the sequence where Hooker and Gondorff set up the fake betting parlor. The audience sees the setup in fragments: a leased bank space, telegraph lines being installed, and actors rehearsing their roles as staff. Each piece is shown in isolation, preventing the audience from seeing the full picture until the moment is ripe, thereby enhancing the impact of the reveal.
Another significant example of misdirection is the use of the double bluff involving Billie and Lonnegan. The audience is led to believe that Lonnegan might be catching on to the scam, especially when he has Billie investigated. However, the twist comes when it is revealed that Billie is in fact part of the con, playing her role to further mislead Lonnegan. This not only surprises the audience but also reconfigures their understanding of the plot, emphasizing the theme that in the world of con artists, appearances are seldom what they seem.
Narrative Misdirection in Key Scenes
Narrative misdirection is also critical to the film’s plot. A key scene that showcases this is when Hooker, pretending to be a washed-up alcoholic, lures Lonnegan into the betting parlor. The audience, aware of Hooker’s true sober state, is privy to the deception but is still left in suspense about whether Lonnegan will fall for the act. Here, the film plays on the audience’s dual awareness of the reality of the con and the fiction being presented to Lonnegan, creating a tension-filled viewing experience.
Another pivotal moment of narrative misdirection occurs during the setup of the final bet. Gondorff, playing the role of Shaw, a high-stakes gambler, pretends to challenge Lonnegan out of a brash impulse at a poker game. To the audience, Gondorff’s impulsivity might seem out of character, leading them to question his motives. It’s only later revealed that this behavior was a calculated move to bait Lonnegan into the larger game, illustrating how the film continually manipulates viewer expectations to maintain suspense and engagement.
Role of Supporting Characters and Setting
Supporting characters play crucial roles in enhancing the illusion of the con. Characters like Kid Twist, J.J. Singleton, and Erie Kid are integral not just for their tasks within the con, but for how they help sustain the illusion of a fully operational betting parlor. Each character’s performance is designed to project authenticity, persuading both Lonnegan and the film’s audience of the setup’s legitimacy.
The settings themselves serve as characters in their right, aiding the misdirection. The lavish train car, the shabby betting parlor, the opulent hotel rooms—all these spaces are stages upon which the con is performed. They provide a visual contrast that underscores the narrative’s oscillation between high society and the underworld, between the facade and the reality, enhancing the film’s thematic depth.
The Con’s Climax and Resolution
The climax of “The Sting” represents the pinnacle of cinematic con artistry, a moment where all threads of the narrative converge in a masterful display of plot and character interplay. The film builds to this crescendo through a series of carefully laid plans that are as risky as they are rewarding. In the climax, every element of the con devised by Gondorff and Hooker is put to the test when Lonnegan places his bet based on the bogus tip he believes he has intercepted.
This sequence is a showcase of tension and precision. The audience, having been led through the maze of the grifters’ preparations, now witnesses the culmination of all these efforts. As Lonnegan commits his money, the uncertainty of the outcome hangs palpably in the air. This tension is not just narrative but emotional, drawing the viewer deeply into the stakes of the game. The sequence is choreographed like a dance, with each character playing their part flawlessly, the camera work and editing heightening the suspense by cutting between the anxious faces and the mechanical operations of the betting parlor.
The trickery reaches its apex when Hooker, posing as a bagman, appears to betray Gondorff by taking off with Lonnegan’s money. The twist serves as a double bluff, with the audience momentarily led to believe that Hooker has gone rogue. This moment of doubt is crucial, as it tests the viewer’s faith in the characters and the narrative itself. The resolution of this twist, revealing that Hooker’s actions were part of the plan, not only relieves tension but also delivers a satisfying payoff to the audience, who are in on the con at last.
Resolution: Unfolding of the Outcome
The resolution of “The Sting” is both surprising and inevitable, a hallmark of great storytelling. After the high tension of the climax, the film allows for a moment of release when it is revealed that everything went according to plan. Lonnegan, outsmarted and furious, leaves without realizing that he was duped by a room full of actors and con artists. The resolution is not just a closure of the plot but a reaffirmation of the themes of loyalty and ingenuity.
The final scenes between Gondorff and Hooker underscore the success of their partnership and the personal growth they have undergone. The mutual respect they share is evident as they part ways, a decision that speaks to the transient nature of their profession and the inevitable dissolution that follows such high-stakes endeavors. This parting is poignant and reflective, adding depth to the characters and providing a more nuanced conclusion to the adrenaline-fueled preceding events.
Moreover, the film concludes on a note that emphasizes the artistry of the con. The characters do not revel in their victory but simply acknowledge their success with a nod, a smile, and a quiet exit. This understatement is powerful, leaving the audience to reflect on the intricacies of the plot and the precision of the execution.
Legacy: Influence on Cinema and Cultural Impact
“The Sting” has left an indelible mark on the landscape of cinema, particularly in the genre of con films. Its influence can be seen in the works that followed, from “Ocean’s Eleven” to “Catch Me If You Can,” where the clever, charismatic con artist is celebrated through complex plots and engaging narratives. The film’s structure, characterized by its layered storytelling and the compelling dynamic between characters, has been emulated by numerous filmmakers seeking to capture its charm and cleverness.
The film’s cultural impact extends beyond its immediate narrative. “The Sting” helped to revitalize interest in the ragtime music of Scott Joplin, with its soundtrack playing a pivotal role in setting the tone and period of the film. The adaptability of these melodies into the fabric of the film’s storytelling shows the power of music in cinema, further solidifying the film’s status as a cultural artifact.
In the broader context, “The Sting” represents a high point in the New Hollywood era, reflecting the period’s innovation and willingness to experiment with genre and narrative form. The film’s success at the Academy Awards, where it won seven Oscars including Best Picture, underscored its achievement in crafting a film that was both a commercial and critical darling.
Reflecting on “The Sting,” its legacy is defined by its sophisticated plot, memorable characters, and the way it captures the viewer’s imagination through the art of the con. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of films that not only entertain but also cleverly challenge their audiences. As such, “The Sting” remains a cornerstone of American cinema, continually influencing filmmakers and captivating new generations of viewers who appreciate the craft of a well-told story.
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A.I. in Screen Trade 