

‘The Sting’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey
Sep 30, 2025
The hosts delve into why ‘The Sting’ marks the perfect start to Redford Month, celebrating the collaboration of cinematic legends. They discuss the evolution of star reunions and how the film popularized con narratives. A lively debate unfolds about writing con vs. heist movies, considering modern digital influences on classic schemes. They analyze the film's intricate cons, iconic performances, and timeless style, along with its memorable scenes. Finally, they reflect on the movie's enduring impact and Redford's remarkable career.
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Episode notes
Power Of A Reunion
- The Sting reunited Redford, Newman, and director George Roy Hill to recreate Butch Cassidy chemistry without being a sequel.
- That rare successful "get the band back together" drove the film's charm and box-office appeal.
Trust Charm Over Excess Explanation
- To keep an audience surprised in a con story, maintain emotional investment and avoid over-explaining sleights.
- Let characters' charm and staged reveals carry tension rather than constant meta-explanation.
How The Sting Shaped Con Movies
- The Sting popularized the con-man genre and made confidence schemes feel cinematic and entertaining.
- Its chapter cards, lingo, and layered setups became templates for later con and heist films.