Day 106: "Who's the mark? Doyle Lonnegan."

The Sting is one of those movies that, being the film buff I am, people were always trying to get me to see.  I really need to listen to these people more often.  The Sting is the ultimate con movie.  The plot twists and cons going on in the story are so complex, I watched it twice and probably still missed something.  Brilliantly written, directed and acted, this is a do not miss picture.  The opening music (Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer") is a piece that is as iconic as any in film history.  The story itself, at its core, revolves around an attempted con of a gangster who murdered the friend of one of the main characters.  I know this is a pretty weak description, but if I told you any more, there would be spoiler alerts every three words.  The story is just that convoluted and tricky; you never know what is going to happen next and to whom.  Brilliantly broken up into, not only the three act structure of most films, but into the acts of a big con as well.  There are title cards and clever wipes to go from one scene to the next.  Watching this, it was no wonder it was nominated for ten Academy Awards, winning seven including Best Picture.

I also, to my new found dismay, have never been much of a fan of Paul Newman or Robert Redford (although I did really like him in another con film, Sneakers).  Not because I don't like their acting styles, but because I haven't seen almost any of their work.  This will be changing very soon, and opens up a whole new collection of movies to see.  The onscreen chemistry and natural style the two portray is nothing short of incredible.  Redford's natural charm and swagger as Johnny Hooker, Newman's cocky self-assuredness as Henry Gondorff; magnificent to see.  Robert Shaw plays the bad guy Doyle Lonnegan with such an oily and slick evil demeanor, it was just a joy.  Supported by veteran actors like Ray Walston (yup, Mr. Hand himself), Charles Durning, Harold Gould, and Eileen Brennan, this movie was given every opportunity for success, and grabbed it with both hands.

I normally don't gush like this over just any movie, so take this review for what it is: an absolute glowing endorsement.  Coming from a second Golden Age of American cinema, the late sixties through the mid-seventies, it easily stands on its own merits against such giants as The Godfather (parts one and two), Easy Rider, Patton, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.  It's that good and that entertaining.  Never too serious for it's own good, never too goofy to distract from the story, The Sting is a masterpiece of American cinema.  Find and see this movie.  10/10.

See you tomorrow, and GO WATCH A MOVIE!!