The Sting

The most recognizable piece of music in this film is heard during the opening credits, playing what has become the American carnival theme. As with the rest of the music in this film, the carnival music reflects the supposed mood of the boisterous scene which is sometimes contradicted by the actions of the characters. For instance the pre-existing ragtime music created by Scott Joplin does not totally fit with the start of movie which is apparently fun but also has angry looking thugs and con-artists. This opening was replayed over and over again throughout the movie, being predominantly light and happy.

During the film, some of the scenes definitely seemed shortened. For example, after Robert Redford cons the man trying to rob him and his friend, the music seems to be shortened when they are running away through one of the back alleys. Music in this film also seems to fade out during points when the scenes change. However, there are plenty of scenes where the music is not shortened for the scene and instead the theme carries over into the next scene. Generally, the pre-existing music works well with the movie. While sometimes shortened, the music still makes enough of an impact to convey the mood of the scene and because it is instrumental, it is much less noticeable when the tune is cut off.