Elizabeth Rehnke: Stephen Soderbergh’s philosophy in Ocean’s Eleven

Elizabeth Rehnke’s collection of movies includes a remake of the 1960 film by Lewis Milestone, Ocean’s Eleven. Liz agrees that Soderbergh’s take on the Rat Pack classic appeals to cultural and social sensibilities by exploring the politics of manliness. The first moments of the film saw Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney, as a ‘man out of time’ experiencing a destructive phase after his wife left him. Ocean presents himself as an emblem of male strength as viewed by the juxtaposition of the tuxedo-clad character wedged in the backdrop of present-day prison.

Elizabeth Rehnke Photo Caption: uyirvani.com

The heist presents two distinct value systems. First is money. The heist saw the gang of 11 members reaping far greater than they could have achieved individually - $ 165 million. For members of the audience like Elizabeth Rehnk, this achievement signals consciousness concerning the capacities of men to obtain greater rewards amid social realities such as violence and imprisonment.

Elizabeth Rehnke Photo Caption: thornd.com

Another value system is the heist genre’s appeal. Soderbergh’s film communicates that heist gangs are no ordinary gangs because each member is expected to possess a unique and highly specialized skill that largely contributes to the success of each plan.

Overall, the remake is all about the rewards of solidarity and friendship. Those who exerted more effort and contributed for a stronger brotherhood deserve greater emotional and monetary reward.

Elizabeth Rehnke Photo Caption: thornd.com

Elizabeth Rehnke loves to watch films that reflect the shifts in society and culture. Visit her Twitter for more updates.