Rawls_Oceans-11

Film Research

The opening scene of Danny Ocean in jail introduces the concept of multiple perspectives that are key throughout the film with the multiple camera shots that are slyly hidden throughout the first 10 seconds of the film.

Danny and Ryan (played by Brad Pitt) meet up with Reuben to discuss the planned heist. Reuben illustrated how no casino has ever gotten robbed and only those that attempted it were crazy enough to try. This meeting not only illustrates the extravagant lifestyle portrayed in the film with Reuben's million dollar house, but also the mindset of how those attempting this con will have to be crazy enough to try.

Once the members are recruited they all meet up in front of Reuben's house and from this, the audience can clearly see that everyone is fairly different from each other. Each one having their own characteristics portrayed both in their recruiting scenes and in here. Similar to a deck of cards.

While doing recon inside of the casino, Linus, the youngest member of the group, spots casino owner Benedict's girlfriend. Later it is revealed to be Danny's former wife, Tess. Thus playing a key role in Danny's original motivation for this heist.

We see a glimpse in Benedict's relationship with Tess and it is clear that he values his work over her. Not only does she work for him, but he also avoids any physical contact with her while they are in the casino.

Danny finally confronts Tess in a restaurant while she is waiting for Benedict and he tells his undying love for her. She brings up the past and how she's better off with Benedict. In this scene Danny asks Tess "Does he make you laugh?" to which she replies with "At least he doesn't make me cry". Which not only brings insight on her past relationship with Danny being an emotional one, but also her lacklustre relationship with Benedict.

The heist officially begins with Saul playing as a high roller in the casino who is also an arms dealer that requires Benedict's security for his possessions. Because of Benedict's nonchalant attitude to multiple situations on Saul's part for what he does, it appears that Benedict is very used to these situations and is a dangerous man himself.

While the members go about their heist, Benedict gets a call from Ryan who threatens him with his money. This scene is very illuminating of Benedict's real colours because he goes right back to threatening them and telling them that they will not be able to hide from him and that they wish the police would catch them before he does.

At the beginning of the film, the members were discussing how impossible the heist would be. At one point Saul asks Danny if he expects Benedict to let them walk out of the casino with the cash. Danny responds by telling him that is exactly what is going to happen. Here there are multiple scenes that were hidden from the audience's view throughout the entire film.

The last scene with the members at the end is filled in quiet resolution as they all watch the Bellagio Fountains outside in wonder. With the orchestral music in the background illustrating a calm and prideful scene for the members, they one by one depart from the fountain.

The ending scene takes place months later after the heist with Danny being released from prison for breaking his parole by being near any casino. He is dressed in the exact same suit as the beginning of the film. Everything is the same except for the fact that he is met with Ryan to pick him up with Tess in the car waiting for him. Not only does this tie back to the beginning of the film perfectly, but completes the cycle as well.

Essay

Throughout the film, there were many consistent aspects throughout it. The effects of dark lighting to enhance dramatic events and illustrate the need of the members to stay hidden. The use of jump cuts of what happens when discussing future members and actually meeting them occur very frequently in the beginning as well as the end when illustrating what truly happened. In most films, audience members are aware of what will happen in heist films. However, in this film audience members are kept in the dark frequently without even realizing, only revealing to the audience later on that they, as well as their target, were played with until the very end. This being high lighted by the usage of the multiple camera angles within the first 10 seconds. Although Danny Ocean is simply walking down a hallway and getting his possessions before leaving jail, the camera angles jump roughly 5 times during it. All angles remaining hidden as if someone were watching from the shadows as to not get caught.

Finally, another common theme throughout the film is the concept of wealth, something frequently associated with Las Vegas as well as casinos. Because of this most of the scenes contains some sort of wealthy object ranging from a million dollar house, high-class suits, to even extravagant hotel rooms. Because of this it also ties into another concept of big risk, big reward due to the level of sophisticated security and the high stakes play at the end. Similar to gambling in any casino in Las Vegas.

Words to Idea + Thesis Statement

5 Words: Devious, Sly, Luxurious, Playful, Risky
Thesis Statement: This film contains playful and sly conmen who attempt a risky play with luxurious rewards that require devious plans to obtain it.