Ocean's 11 (1960) • The Next Reel

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"You’re just in time for the jokes."

Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. were a part of what people called ‘The Rat Pack,’ a group of friends who all started hanging out regularly back at Humphrey Bogart’s and Lauren Bacall’s place. The members changed over time, but Sinatra, Martin and Davis always seemed to be the core trio. The three only appeared in a handful of films together, and the one they’re most known for is the heist film Ocean’s 11. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our Ocean’s series with Lewis Milestone’s original 1960 Rat Pack film, Ocean’s 11.

We talk about why the film doesn’t hold up very well for today’s audience and how it really takes someone who was much more connected to the Rat Pack group to really connect with this film today. We look at the script and its shift from drama to comedy, and why perhaps that shift during development left the script largely feeling disjointed and disconnected. We discuss the cast and try to answer why they’re largely uninteresting and unlikeable. We chat about the ending of the film and debate whether it’s effective or not. And we touch on the songs in the film – notably “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” – and stew on why it wasn’t recognized by the Academy.

It’s a film that unfortunately feels very dated, which means it may only appeal to audiences who really were fans of the Rat Pack. That doesn’t stop us from having a great conversation about it! So check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

Film Sundries

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• Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTube
• Original theatrical trailer
• Original poster artwork
• Art of the Title
• Flickchart
• Letterboxd
• 1960 Academy Award Best Song winner Never on Sunday
• 1960 Academy Award Best Song nominee The Second Time Around
• 1960 Academy Award Best Song nominee Faraway Part of Town
• 1960 Academy Award Best Song nominee The Green Leaves of Summer
• 1960 Academy Award Best Song nominee The Facts of Life
• Ain’t That a Kick in the Head, as performed in the film

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