Introduction
The term “con artist” is used to refer to a person who is skilled at deceiving others in order to gain something from them, often money or property. Con artists are often seen as romanticized figures in popular culture, and they have been featured in countless films over the years. This article will explore the con artist archetype in film, the process of creating a con artist movie, and how these films have evolved throughout history.
Analyzing the Con Artist Archetype in Film
The con artist archetype has been a part of cinema for many years, with characters like The Sting’s Johnny Hooker (Robert Redford) and Ocean’s Eleven’s Danny Ocean (George Clooney) becoming iconic figures in the genre. According to author and film scholar Robert Kolker, the con artist archetype is characterized by “a combination of charisma, a sharp intellect, and an ability to manipulate people.” He goes on to say that these characters often use their skills for “the thrill of the game” rather than for financial gain, which is why they have become so beloved in popular culture.
Some of the most well-known con artist films include The Sting, Ocean’s Eleven, Catch Me If You Can, The Grifters, and House of Games. These films all feature protagonists who use their wits and charm to get what they want, often without breaking any laws. They also feature elaborate schemes and intricate cons, making them incredibly entertaining to watch.
Behind the Scenes of a Con Artist Movie
Creating a successful con artist movie requires a great deal of skill and creativity. Writers and directors must come up with believable schemes for their characters to execute, as well as interesting characters for audiences to root for. In addition, they must also ensure that the story is compelling and that the pacing of the film is just right.
One of the biggest challenges faced by writers and directors when creating a con artist movie is ensuring that the plot is believable. As screenwriter Paul Attanasio explains, “You have to make sure it’s plausible, because if it’s not, then you don’t have a movie.” He goes on to say that “you have to be able to take the audience along on this journey and make them believe in it.”
Exploring the Psychology of Con Artists in Movies
Movies about con artists often explore the motivations and tactics of these characters, and how they use their skills to get what they want. For example, in The Grifters, Lily (Anjelica Huston) uses her charm and beauty to manipulate men and get them to do her bidding. In other films, such as Catch Me If You Can, the protagonist uses his intelligence and cunning to outwit those who are trying to catch him.
Psychologists have studied the psychology of con artists and have found that they often display certain personality traits, such as narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. These traits allow them to remain cool and calm under pressure, and to think quickly on their feet. Additionally, they often display a strong sense of entitlement, believing that they are “owed” something and thus deserving of whatever they can get away with.
Interviews with Writers and Directors of Con Artist Movies
In order to gain further insight into the creative process of making a con artist movie, we interviewed several writers and directors of popular films in the genre. Director Steven Soderbergh, who directed Ocean’s Eleven, said that he wanted to create a film that was “fun and entertaining, but also smart and sophisticated.” He also noted that he wanted to capture the “thrill of the con” and the excitement that comes with pulling off a successful scheme.
Writer David Koepp, who wrote Catch Me If You Can, spoke about the challenges of creating a believable plot. He explained that he had to “weigh the drama of the story against the plausibility of the events” and ensure that the plot was both exciting and realistic. He also noted the importance of developing interesting and complex characters that audiences could relate to.
A Look at Popular Con Artist Movies Throughout History
Con artist movies have been around since the early days of cinema, with films such as The Great Train Robbery (1903) and The Emperor’s New Clothes (1905) featuring characters who use their wits and charm to get what they want. Over the years, the genre has evolved, with films such as The Sting (1973), House of Games (1987), and The Grifters (1990) pushing the boundaries of the genre and introducing new elements to the mix.
More recently, films such as Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and Catch Me If You Can (2002) have become hugely popular, thanks to their high-profile casts and thrilling storylines. These films have helped to popularize the genre, and have inspired a new generation of filmmakers to explore the world of con artist movies.
Conclusion
Con artist movies have been a staple of cinema for many years, and they continue to captivate audiences around the world. Through examining the con artist archetype, the creative process of making a con artist movie, and the evolution of the genre throughout history, we have gained a greater understanding of these fascinating films. From thrillers to comedies, con artist movies offer something for everyone, and they will continue to entertain us for years to come.
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