Rewind Back to 2001: “Ocean’s Eleven” (25th anniversary)
- Matt Palmer
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
As part of their Flashback Features series, the Dietrich Theater will be showing the 2001 remake of “Ocean’s Eleven” to celebrate its 25th anniversary. With the local theater showing the movie, I also decided to add it to this month’s Rewind Series slate!
During its initial release, “Ocean’s Eleven” grossed $450 million worldwide - $183.4 million domestically. Critics widely lauded the movie’s sleek tone, sharp dialogue and the undeniable chemistry of its star-studded cast. It revitalized the heist movie genre and launched a franchise: “Ocean’s Twelve” (2004), “Ocean’s Thirteen” (2007), an all-female spin-off “Ocean’s 8) (2018) and an in-development “Ocean’s Fourteen.”
Dapper Danny Ocean is a man of action. Less than 24 hours into his parole from a New Jersey penitentiary, the wry, charismatic thief is already rolling out his next plan. He follows three rules: do not hurt anybody, do not steal from anyone who doesn’t deserve it, and play the game like you have got nothing to lose.
With those in mind, Danny works to orchestrate the most sophisticated, elaborate casino heist in history, targeting three establishments owned by the man who is dating his ex-wife.
The 2001 remake of “Ocean’s Eleven” is a breezy, stylish, and highly entertaining heist movie that still remains a beloved, highly rewatchable modern classic. Even though I’ve seen this awesome remake quite a few times since its release, I still enjoy the intricate planning of the casino heist and it’s still a fun time watching their outlandish plan unfold.
The undeniable chemistry of the cast is still one of the major highlights of this beloved remake, and honestly if it wasn’t for their great on-screen chemistry, this movie probably wouldn’t have worked nearly as well as it does. The banter and the brotherly shorthand between Clooney’s Danny Ocean and Pitt’s Rusty Ryan is quite entertaining and often hilarious. Every member of the eleven had a distinct, memorable personality and I also liked how the movie transformed a group of criminals into likable (and witty) characters.
Every time I watch this movie, I enjoy seeing how the overall plot relied on intelligence, very intricate planning and slick con artistry rather than the typical gunfights and
explosions. The movie also expertly withholds minor details of the plan so that the last few moments of the heist (as we see it coming together) lands with immense satisfaction.
For these reviews, I usually talk about a couple moments that are really memorable and for this movie, there are so many moments that are truly memorable and iconic. The entire movie itself is both highly enjoyable and memorable. I did especially like seeing how the heist would eventually play out and enjoy watching the moment where the crew members meet in front of the iconic Bellagio Fountains before slipping away into the Vegas crowd one by one.
“Ocean’s Eleven” (2001) was universally embraced by critics and audiences as a stylish, fast-paced and effortlessly entertaining heist movie. General viewers often cite it as one of the most rewatchable movies ever made, frequently highlighting the witty dialogue and the fun dynamic between all of the characters.
MPA: Rated PG-13 for some language and sexual content (runtime 116 min)
The Dietrich Theater will be showing “Ocean’s Eleven” on the big screen on Sunday June 21 at 4 pm and Wednesday June 24 at 7 pm.
Initial release date: 12/7/2001
Streaming: various PVOD services
The Bellagio let the crew tap into their security system to get real surveillance footage of the casino.
The script was sent to Julia Roberts with a $20 bill attached. Included was a note from George Clooney that said "I hear you're getting 20 a picture now". This of course is a joke referencing Julia Roberts becoming the highest paid actress at $20 million per picture.
The entire cast worked for less than their usual salaries to bring down the budget.
Steven Soderbergh wanted the actors to hang out on set to make sure they had good chemistry. During downtime, the cast often crowded around Carl Reiner to listen to his stories.
Shaobo Qin made his motion picture debut in this film. He was rehearsing with the Peking Acrobats when he was spotted and asked to audition for the role of Yen.
Don Cheadle is uncredited despite having a major role. This is due to a dispute over his billing. Cheadle wanted above the title billing alongside George Clooney, Matt Damon, and Brad Pitt. When he was refused, he refused to be credited at all. Cheadle received above the title billing in Ocean's Twelve (2004) and Ocean's Thirteen (2007).
Matt Damon's part as Linus Caldwell, the pick pocket, was initially meant for Mark Wahlberg who turned down the role in order to star in Planet of the Apes (2001).
Bruce Willis was originally cast as Danny Ocean, but had to pull out due to scheduling conflicts. He would later make a cameo appearance in the 2004 sequel.
Julia Roberts is credited with the words "And introducing Julia Roberts as Tess." This is a production joke. "Introducing" credits are usually reserved for actors in their first-ever screen role, or at least their first prominent role early in a career. But when Ocean's Eleven came out, Roberts was entering her second decade of stardom; she was at the time the highest-paid actress in history and already an Oscar winner.
Voted #500 on "Empire" magazine's "500 Greatest Movies Of All Time" (September 2008).
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