Posted: 12/11/01Ocean's 11 (2001)
by Michael Julianelle
Styling and profiling to keep you smiling.
Steven Soderbergh doesn't exactly look like the embodiment of cool. His baseball-capped dome and nerdy countenance don't quite scream style. Yet, somehow, with his thick-rimmed glasses and receding hairline, he makes movies that are as cool as they come. Even the director's serious, Oscar-worthy Traffic has a real hip-ness to it, utilizing Soderbergh's own sepia-toned cinematography and eye for gritty talent (Del Toro, Cheadle). The weight of the subject matter and the sheer size of the production demanded a firm, serious hand at the helm, which he delivered, but it was still cool. Erin Brockovich was another sure-handed success; the fact that it is such a conventionally told story speaks to Soderbergh's ability to go with the flow and paint-by-numbers, if he has to, to get the job done. There he was an actor's director, wringing an award-winning performance, and a modicum of credibility, out of Julia Roberts. Soderbergh is a real director, a real pro, and when he needs to get serious, he can get 
serious with the best of them. But, as evidenced in his ultra-cool flicks like Out of Sight and The Limey, he can also let the mood do the talking.After such a serious year of directing important films, Soderbergh decided he wanted to cut loose. So he assembled a contemporary version of the good time boys' club that was the Rat Pack, brought them, along with some gear, to Vegas, had a blast and filmed it all. The result is Ocean's 11. Ocean's 11 is not an important movie. It's not about any issues, and it probably won't win its director any (non-MTV) awards (although a cast member or two might snag a Supporting nod). It's a heist movie, pure and simple, and it's sure to make off with a smile from you.
I am not going to get into specifics about the plot; I've never seen the original and from what I've heard there's no need. The movie is divided into three parts: the assembling of the crew, the detailing of the plan, the execution of the crime. This time around, George Clooney plays Danny Ocean, a just-paroled thief who sets out to rob three of Vegas' biggest casinos and simultaneously steal his ex-wife back from the man who owns them (Andy Garcia). So the first thing Ocean does is gather up a crew of 10 men to do the job with him, each an expert at a different element of the heist. He starts with the slumming Rusty (Brad Pitt), his right-hand man who is currently teaching spoiled Hollywood actors how to play cards (listen for Clooney's throwaway line about his own career transition). Each section of the film is handled with the same swagger and panache, and the chemistry between the 11 cast members is palpable. They are clearly having a terrific time making the movie, especially Clooney and Pitt, who strut around like the movie stars they are, wearing constant smirks that belie their giddiness at living such privileged lives.
Everyone else seems to be having fun as well, except for Andy Garcia, who just looks pissed off and tranquilized throughout most of the movie. Don Cheadle goofs around with a pretty good British accent; Matt Damon gets treated like the bitch in an amusing, and well-acted, twist on his "golden boy" image; Carl Reiner and Elliot Gould ham it up as the older guys of the bunch, both coming up roses (I would not be surprised if Reiner got an Oscar nomination for his take on the crusty old pro), and Bernie Mac is able to squeeze some laughs from his minor role as a dealer. Even Scott Caan and Casey Affleck have their moments, basically stealing every scene they're in with their constant, juvenile bickering. But Clooney and Pitt own the movie, dressed to the nines and looking every inch the matinee idols we take them for. Clooney wears a tux for much of the proceedings, and it's no mistake. He isn't exactly Cary Grant, but he's about as close as we're gonna get in this 
day and age, and he sure is suave. Julia Roberts looks terrific, even though as the love interest she is saddled with the plot's least convincing aspect.
There are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, but you're brow never stays wrinkled long enough to prevent a grin. Confidently directed by Soderbergh, with a wink in his eye, Ocean's 11 is slight and spry and will leave your mind moments after you leave the theater. But it's very entertaining, it swings like the original Rat Pack did in their prime, and it is as cool as can be. Steven Soderbergh and his cast set out to craft a light, bouncy lark of a flick, and with this surefire piece of entertainment, they've hit the jackpot. With style to spare.
Michael S. Julianelle is a Boston-based freelance writer coping with his nearly debilitating zeal for entertainment and pop-culture.
Got a problem? Email Hank at filmmonthly@hotmail.com