The Sting

I immediately recognized a famous Scott Joplin piece during the credits and then throughout the film and ending with the conclusion credits. It faded as the introduction scene began. The ragtime Scott Joplin piano seems to match with the 1930s urban style, sounding upbeat and social and portraying movement, and action. The Scoot Joplin music is stuck in during transitions, making the film more playful and fun. I believe it gives the film as less serious portrayal then it was meant to have. It seems to be too playful for the urban tough-guy trying to make it and gambling storyline. The transitions are then cut off when the next scene begins, rather than fading off. Between many scenes there is no transition music at all. There is racy diagetic music played during the hooker dancing scenes. There is also very quiet, soft diagetic music played while the men play poker which seems to not fit in well. It is too soft and gentle to go with the tough men gambling. The pre-existing music seems to work as a filler to silence in the film and to lighten up the mood of the film.
Scott Joplin’s 1890s ragtime was meant to have energetic rhythms. The spirit and energy in the ragtime is supposed to fit well with the spirit and energy in the film although the 1930s storyline does not match the 1890 ragtime style.