Episode 27: Ocean's Eight and Ocean's Eleven

Cinema in Context

Ocean's Eleven franchise films. Sarah Watt, Jeremy Downing and William Chen discuss Ocean's Eight and Ocean's Eleven, starting with acknowledging that the two films are very similar. We talk about the strength of the cast in Ocean's Eight, especially with the film's focus on character. We talk about the cinematography in both films, with the strength of cinematography in Ocean's Eleven and the straightforward, functional camerawork in Ocean's Eight. We talk about the possible "coming out" of the characters in Ocean's Eight and other films, like Captain America: The Winter Soldier. We then talk about certain characters in both films who don't fully work as well rounded individuals, then also praising key performances. Our discussion then moves into a discussion about pace in both films. Ocean's Twelve, Ocean's Thirteen and the original Ocean's 11 then become the focus of our discussion, talking about how all three are not as good as these two other films. Our conversation wraps up by touching on the gender politics in both films and how both films add to the catalogue of predominantly female storytelling.