Ocean’s 11 Commentary
Posted: March 26th, 2020
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Ocean’s
11 Commentary
- The
Actor’s Commentary
- The insight of the actors on the film:
- The 2001 film Ocean’s Eleven consisted of some of the most renowned actors in
Hollywood including George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, and
Don Cheadle, among others. The actors felt that their roles were suitable for
them. They tried as much as they could to emulate characters of the original
1960 film with the same name. However, technological breakthroughs allowed them
to employ some important aspects of modernity pertaining to the overall film
plot.
- Overall, the movie was a remake of the 1960
version of it, with different characters brought to life. However, it was
generally agreed that the creativity put into the overall modifications made it
much better than the first.
- The stars were able to connect the movie to the
original, which had the same plot and themes. It was a time when heist films
were beginning to grow on the audience. The sense of social rebelliousness
began to rise and the casting of the ‘good guys’ as crooks who stole large
amounts of money (Ebert). However, the film was able to successfully
consolidate this theme with those of lust, desire, and revenge, all wrapped
into a riveting show.
- The actor’s perception on what the director
wished to achieve in the film was consistent with that of the director Steven
Soderbergh. The lead role of Danny Ocean (played by George Clooney) was meant
to be not only an inspirational leader in his team of 11 robbers but also a big
part of the heist. Clooney felt that he was able to deliver this to the
producer and audience by his constantly cool composure and firm resolves.
- Overall, the actors were pleased to work with
Steven as the director. His creativity and style brought made it easier to
employ in the production, which made work easier.
- Perception of the stars on each other
- The stars in the show were particularly
interested to work with one another. Within the set, the actors made fun of
each other’s characters and on each other during filming. They all felt that
the cast selection was great. Working with such professionals made it easier
and more comfortable, especially within the circle of main cast.
- The stars’ on set personalities resonated with
the roles they were meant to play. As the cast discussed their roles, it was
clear to see how each person’s role played a part to build the overall film
plot. For instance, Tess’s elusive yet charming personality was efficient
enough to make her the object of Danny’s desire, thus inspiring him to carry
out the heist. Rusty played Danny’s friend, who supported him in the heist
through selecting some of the top qualified men for the job.
- Director’s
Commentary
- Working on the film: Part of working on the film
included selecting the most suitable actors to play these parts. An analysis of
the original characters in the 1960 film was therefore necessary in order to
select a cast that was efficient and would emulate these roles the best way
they could.
- Like in any other film production, there were
challenges in the overall process from cast selection, to making of the scenes,
to editing. As a director, Steven Soderbergh also needed to meet the time limit
that existed. For him, the selection of scenes of action and dialogue were also
a tasking job. However, it was necessary to maintain the overall quality that
was expected. The overall story was what was considered important.
- Equally challenging was the selection of the
actors. What was fortunate was that there was more than one choice of characters
for each of the roles. However, because of one reason or another, they needed
to be let go. However, Soderbergh felt content about his final selection of
cast members. He grew to like them even more after he began to work with them.
- Making of the film was expensive than the
average movie. For a blockbuster like this, a lot of time, money, and
dedication were put into it by cast members, production team, sound, editing,
and many other participants. By the end of the movie, an estimated $85million
had been used. However, the returns ($450 million) showed that the movie had
exceeded the financial expectation.
- Screenwriter’s
Commentary
- The making of the film was not only enjoyable
but allowed the screenwriter to be a little bit more creative in modifying the
original cast. Their personalities were made more complex in a series of twists
and turns throughout the film.
- Changes: It was necessary to evaluate how the ever-evolving
target audience had changed in order to modify the original script. There was a
need to include some of the high tech elements, which would provide a sense of
practicability, especially in the scenes where the actual planning of the heist
and robbery was taking place. Changes are necessary, as is usually the case.
The first script has to be changed several times when the movie begins filming.
This depends on the characters portrayal and their personalities as well as on
the director’s creative appeal at the time.
Work
Cited
Ebert, Roger. Ocean’s Eleven Review.
Digital Chicago Inc. 2001. Accessed 24 November 2016 from http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/oceans-eleven-2001