Smoke-Filled Room

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This is the most satisfyingly shot and performed poker-playing scene in Hollywood history because it's not about poker, but about two cheats trying to out-fuck each other. Paul Newman's smug and rascally confidence is key, but the whole thing really depends upon Robert Shaw's seething rage -- the scene wouldn't play without it. It's all about boiling blood.

I can watch this all day long and never get bored because it's perfectly shot, acted, lighted and timed. It's the kind of thing that big-studio movies used to do really well. The emphasis was just so.

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Posted by Jeffrey Wells on September 7, 2010 at 10:19 AM

comment #1

62Lincoln says ...

Jeff, you've chosen one of my favorites. I disagree about the premise of the scene, however. It's not "two cheats trying to outfuck each other" as that implies that Shaw's character knows what is REALLY happening; instead it's about Newman's character using Shaw's own avarice against him. And cheatng him, too. God I love this scene.

Robert Shaw died at 51. He lived quite a life in his 51 years, didn't he?

Posted by 62Lincoln at September 7, 2010 10:55 AM

comment #2

BaxterPeanut says ...

Classic scene illustrating brilliantly all the points you made. The body language, the facial expressions, the natural flow of emoting, dialogue and tension; just made for a flawless execution.

"It's the kind of thing that big-studio movies used to do really well." - Amen. And it's just one great scene in a movie full of 'em, just one after another!! Your description could apply to the whole reel.

Posted by BaxterPeanut at September 7, 2010 11:04 AM

comment #3

Mark B says ...

The way Newman relentlessly taunts Shaw is brilliant, but you're right, Jeff. I never tire of watching Lonnegan's desperate anger bubble to the surface. And Shaw's booming but almost musical voice is itself a work of art.

Posted by Mark B at September 7, 2010 11:11 AM

comment #4

Robert Cashill says ...

Not to interrupt, but HE favorite VIVA ZAPATA! is coming to DVD on 11/9, as part of a 15-title Elia Kazan Collection from Fox.

Posted by Robert Cashill at September 7, 2010 11:22 AM

comment #5

Eloi Wrath says ...

"Robert Shaw died at 51. He lived quite a life in his 51 years, didn't he?"

In another of the Lexian mind-boggling age comparisons, Shaw was the same age in Jaws as Tom Cruise is now.

Posted by Eloi Wrath at September 7, 2010 11:34 AM

comment #6

coxcable says ...

The Sting is one of those movies where the elaborate plot by good guys to get the bad guys goes off without a single hitch. Newman and Redford are in control of the entire show and Shaw doesn't have a chance against them.

It's isn't just bad storytelling... it's anti-storytelling.

I think it was Pauline Kael who asked, "What is this movie about anyway?"

Posted by coxcable at September 7, 2010 11:48 AM

comment #7

Edward says ...

Great filmmaking, the editing is masterful. The lack of music adds to the tension.

Posted by Edward at September 7, 2010 11:54 AM

comment #8

BT64 says ...

George Roy Hill was one helleva story maker. I, for one, miss him tremendously every time I go to the movies. Of course in this current over corporatized environment, Hollywood doesn't want these types of films anymore. Not sure why. I guess we are all doomed to watch the next installment of comic book shit!

Posted by BT64 at September 7, 2010 2:02 PM

comment #9

Michael says ...

I've never seen so many string bets in my life. I do love the scene and film, though.

Posted by Michael at September 7, 2010 2:04 PM

comment #10

moveable hype says ...

I didn't know Flea from RHCP was in this movie.

Posted by moveable hype at September 7, 2010 3:41 PM

comment #11

brad says ...

if someone remade it in 3d it would be so much better - right?

Posted by brad at September 7, 2010 4:14 PM

comment #12

JeffC says ...

Flea should play Charles Dierkop in his biopic "The Nose." Mix in some of that Gogol story to keep it fresh. I think they even have a similar build & stature.

Posted by JeffC at September 7, 2010 5:30 PM

comment #13

pmn says ...

Yeah, this has got to be the all-time best. Certainly it's Newman at his best. Must admit, though, to being a fan of the final showdown in Rounders. The tightly-wound performance of Matt Damon; that utterly off-the-wall accent/performance from Malkovich; the oreos -- fun stuff that's inexplicably grown on me over time.

Posted by pmn at September 7, 2010 5:54 PM

comment #14

Tristan Eldritch2 says ...

I love Slap Shot. Newman's wardrobe in that movie is hysterical: tight fitting brown leather suits, full length leather coat with white fur collars...amazing stuff.

Posted by Tristan Eldritch2 at September 8, 2010 1:44 AM

comment #15

Noah Cross says ...

Nice to see your mention, Lex, of Waldo Pepper, which is a great film. I think its grim plot turn kept it from big box office, but I loved that film (And each film you mentioned. Butch Cassidy came out when I was in 4th grade or so and it was the first film I saw multiple times in the theater. I believe it played for nearly a year, as did Star Wars and Raiders. That doesn't happen anymore.)

Posted by Noah Cross at September 8, 2010 4:53 AM

comment #16

BobbyLupo says ...

"Must admit, though, to being a fan of the final showdown in Rounders. The tightly-wound performance of Matt Damon; that utterly off-the-wall accent/performance from Malkovich; the oreos -- fun stuff that's inexplicably grown on me over time."

If you can get past the absolutely ridiculous nonsense with the Oreos, it's a fun movie.

But, man, the tell with the Oreos is so ridiculous that it doesn't matter if you know anything about poker. I mean, somebody mentioned the string bets in 'The Sting' -- that's true, but it only bothers you if you know anything about poker. But the idea that Teddy KGB has been listening to his Oreos as he opens them for twenty years and nobody ever noticed that he only does it when he has a good hand is just stupid.

Posted by BobbyLupo at September 8, 2010 6:52 AM

comment #17

Floyd Thursby says ...

Garp power? You've gone too far this time, Lex. It's insufferable on every level.

Posted by Floyd Thursby at September 8, 2010 9:27 AM

comment #18

LexG says ...

Really? In fairness, I haven't seen Garp since I was 14, when it seemed super brilliant and weird. Maybe it doesn't hold up. All the others, I've seen recently and they're still great.

And Funny Farm is excellent too.

Posted by LexG at September 8, 2010 11:43 AM

comment #19