Soderbergh. No matter how many times I’ve listened to it said-no matter how many interviews and award shows-my whole life I’ve always pronounced it wrong. Always. Its crazy. But something I’ll keep on working on, because names are my absolute kryptonite. Anyway, it’s Soderbergh like “soda”, not like “sawdust”. I appreciate all of you who have brought it up. And to Mr. Soderbergh, as a tremendous fan: I am sorry. :) -Danny

It wasn't just that the movie was a fun heist caper or that it had good dialogue and banter between the characters. The movie has style. I don't just mean the setting or the wardrobe (although the clothing was so on-point!). I mean the movie itself, like a living being, had style. That carries across the years.

Saul’s Quiet Moment scene emphasizes the acting these characters go through. Their con is one big theater piece, so adding that brief pause before cutting to the MGM and the fight announcers is like the lead actor taking that moment of breath before entering the stage. It also adds a bit of tension to Saul’s collapse later on, where you don’t 100% know it’s a ruse until Rusty shows up as the doctor

I liked the gang going their own way at the fountain scene. Movie could have ended on that high note.

I think what’s amazing is that this movie literally has 11 main characters that the audience quickly A) likes, B) sees their value to the job/importance to story and C) gives them unique personalities. There are so many movies that maybe have half that number and the audience still won’t like each character or find one or two useless/ a throw away. That just goes to show how great the writers and actors were in this movie.

Thank you so much for breaking this down. For those of us who don't know anything about cinematography, editing is only really noticeable when it's awful. When it's great, you're too caught up in the enjoyment to understand how you're being moved by the craftsmanship. Seeing video essays like this adds so many layers to the experience. I am excited to revisit this film and see it with fresh eyes!

As much as I agree that the final edit of the opening sequence is better without the shot reverse-shot, I’m happy there exists a canon Danny answer to that question, even if it’s just a witty retort.

I can't get enough of how you make movies I love into something so valuable. It'a like having your grandma's cooking dissected by a chef. They go from: "this movie is fun, I enjoy watching it every time" to "here's why you're actually watching a masterpiece".

This gave me so much more appreciation for what is already one of my favorite films. The alt cut examples were a super clever way of illuminating Soderberg's intentionality, and how much the actors made deleted scenes so engaging they became free pickups. This is some peak CinemaStix work here my guy!

The late 90s to the early 2000s was like a second Golden Age. So many great movies drawing from the classics of the 30s and 40s. Oceans 11 sits near the top of the pile.

Ocean's 11 is infinitely rewatchable

I always have the feeling many people forget about the oceans trilogy when they list their favourite movies. Maybe because they aren't movies with big emotions of any kind. But they master the art of being fully logical till the end. Every little smalltalk that you see seems like simple chemistry building for the group at first but has a deeper meaning in the end and was actually a foreshadowing of the plot. Also the chemistry between every character in the movie is so believabile that it seems real. Also maybe the best feel good movies that aren't comedies.

It’s how the characters relate to the plot that’s important and unfortunately so many blockbuster films these days prioritise plot over character. If you spend time with the characters you care about what drives them or understand what drives them. You relate to them, you root for them. Prioritising plot means losing humanity and without humanity you lose connection to the audience. Character should always come first and studios should stop cutting important character beats in favour of a streamline plot.

Ocean’s 11 is my favourite movie. It’s just so easy to watch. Not to mention a satisfying ending and plot progression.

It's like a comedy version of Michael Mann's "Heat". That movie was 2 hours, 50 minutes because he spent so much time with all the characters, but that's what made the movie so engaging and great. As others have said/implied, you need connection to the characters to make the plot matter.

This movie is so character and dialogue driven, that the regular use of silence is so powerful and always says so much. It's actually brilliant.

This is my favorite movie of all time, and the sequence of character intros is just immaculate. The pacing and rhythm are so specific I can basically quote the whole thing from memory. The editing in the Ocean's series (particularly 11 and 13) doesn't get nearly enough attention, so thanks for taking some time to highlight it!

I definitely encourage anyone with the bandwidth to do so to click the gear icon and select ‘4K’ or ‘2160p’ while watching the video. Doesn’t matter what kind of display you’re using, it’ll give you a much, much less compressed image (on mobile it’s the gear icon and then “advanced”. Let me know if you have any questions. :) -Danny

Loved this since it came out. 12 is also a masterpiece I think. I really miss this kind of old school class and charm of 90's early 2000's stuff. Besides the dynamite cast and great lighting they kept any pop culture or current events out of it, which just adds to the appeal. I had no idea about the editing decisions, which apparently saved and transcended Oceans 11.

George Clooney and Brad Pitt worked so well together, I'd watch a 2 hour special of them acting together with no cuts.

Hands down, Soderbergh's Ocean's 11 is in my all-time top 5. Love this movie. Time to watch it again.

I love it when you make essays on my favourite films! Ocean's was one of the first franchises I really fell in love with and watched several times. It was, for my 10 year old self, the first movie that really made me pay attention to more than just the plot. It was the first time I was invested in characters' success.

Ocean's Eleven is so good that it doesn't just make you love it, it makes you love movies in general. It's so masterfully executed, with such heart and style, that watching it gives you an appreciation for what movies can be when they're done this well. Most viewers aren't going to be consciously aware of all of the macro and micro elements, but they all come through so strongly on a subconscious level (particularly the wealth of invaluable character moments that you highlighted) that it ends up feeling instinctively satisfying.

When I got laid off in 2009, I went to a used DVD store, and bought this and several other movies on a whim to burn up time and my substantial severance package. Never saw it before, but I loved it so much, I literally watched it every day for a month. I could never quite put into words why it grabbed me the way it did, but this video nails it; it's the characters. Danny and Rusty make for the perfect duo, and the rest of the cast are no slouches either. It's just such a great film! Despite owning the DVD, a digital copy, AND near encyclopedic knowledge of the film, if it ever happens to come on TV randomly, welp, I know what I'm doing for the next two hours...

Really puts into perspective how much skill goes into making any movie.

Thank you for talking about this film in great regards. I grew up on repeat watches of Ocean's 11, still remains one of my favorite films of all time, oozes cinematic character and style/rhythm. Prime excellence of heist film.

some of the scenes are so well cut and shot that you feel like its one big live painting, seeing the different angles at a high pace but with enough time to know whats going on, simply amazing

People have been sleeping on the whole Oceans trilogy but 11 is particularly masterful. A treat from start to finish. So of its time, so timeless. Love it. Another belter from you as always, Danny!

Oceans 11 is just a damn cool film. Worth a rewatch every year.

I think the most shocking thing about the story of this movie is that test audiences changed a film for *good*. We alwaya hear these stories about movies not sticking to a directors original intent, but theres a reason that they show movies to people first and then make edits.

Lately I've felt like my own editing at work has become a bit stale, and this is just the kind of video I needed to think more about how to use cuts to do more than just tell the story, but to help build interest in characters. Amazing video Danny, you knocked it out of the ballpark with this one! Now I need to go back and rewatch Oceans 11 for the nth time

I've watched this movie so many times, and I'm really interested in seeing someone analyse the opening scene where Danny expertly manipulates the parole board into asking the questions he has the most disarming answers to - this scene is expertly written and nobody seems to have talked about it.

Such a great essay. Thanks for the excellent work you’re doing to inspire and educate aspiring filmmakers and cinephiles!

Sooo weird, my wife and I literally watched Oceans 11 TWO days ago, the same day you posted this, and I haven't seen it in at least 15 years. The movie has some big plot holes, and odd decisions, but seeing it broken down like this, you really appreciate the filmmaking a lot more.

I kind of feel that developing characters in the movie is more sensual than the plot. But at the same time, it also leaves the door open for a sequel or even two because you start to learn the characters and you get to know them, so that gives more of a emphasis to find out about them in future endeavors or their past.

This film is one of my all time favorites; i can watch it multiple times and it feels just as good as the first time i watching it. I miss movies like this.

Great video! My respect for Soderbergh has increased.

IT’S SO GREAT, I LOVE IT!!! The music, the filter, the acting, the comedy, the emotions, just, really everything! Despite having so many characters, they manage to make you like all of them, and even be able to remember them afterwards. Everyone has a motivation and a purpose, a certain set of skills, all very well introduced, and then the music! Love it, love it.

Excellent video essay. I added it to three separate playlists in my library... I love the idea of writing a complex, full film and then changing the entire vibe and result with the editing choices.... very cool.... I'm going to keep this in mind as I write my next script... Thank you immeasurably....

I appreciate one of my all time favorite movies even more now because of this video. Great job with the different edits to prove just how crucial each interaction is in the flow of this movie. I think I'm going to give it another watch now.

Oceans just has a aurora to It, creates a feeling that you want to partake in. Plus the soundtrack is amazing.

The parole board scene ending with the unanswered question followed by Danny sliding up the escalator hooked me on the film from the very start. Amazing transition!

It also helps that he shoots his own films a lot as he did on this film, which means he can do all the planning and have a complete pre-vis idea of how he would stylise and edit movement while he's shooting that he doesn't need to relay to the DP to get done, which he can also convey to the actors during the initial group reading and pre-production stages on how things are going to move and be edited, giving the actors some room to do various versions of scenes and also ad-lib on the fly. It's not that he focused on the characters so much, you're belying a bit of how the stylisation of the cinematography and production values plays into how the actors are able to move and express themselves in those shots because they know what the camera is doing and WHY, for the edit, throughout the whole film. I don't think it's so much the character being prioritised. Without this stylisation and pre-visualisation and camera movements - say, if it was shot more like a Michael Bay film, even with the exact same dialogues and movements from the characters but were all done with slash-bang action edits may be like Die Hard or Speed, you wouldn't say the same thing at all

Every so often I come back to your channel, usually because it's a movie I love, and you never disappoint. Ocean's Eleven might just be my favourite movie and this gave me such a larger appreciation for it.

I want to add that I just watched Guardians of the Galaxy 3, a blockbuster Marvel movie, which could very easily have leaned into plot so hard. But even with the first movie, Gunn decided to stick to character more. Because each of them has their own agenda and they can rarely stick to a plan, Gunn decided to help us understand that part. I think MOST Marvel movie lovers back in 2014 were surprised by how much they loved Guardians--- they didn't know how much they wanted extensive character work, humor, music. Marvel films after that film incorporated all of those elements going forward. I think we know character dev would be great, but videos like yours help us know HOW to create those scenes, and allow them to be free from having to carry so much plot load. They give the viewer/reader breathing space just to be with the characters... GotG3 was so satisfying as a character dev and character arc finale of a trilogy. It was more concerned with helping you understand the characters--- and committed to giving them each an extended ending that supported them and the viewers' love of them.

Soderbergh has such an incredible and eclectic mix of films, and more recently television series, he’s really something.

ocean's 11 is one of my favorite movies of all time. this video has added to my appreciation of it. thank you so much!

This is fantastic! Never knew how much was taken off the cutting floor. One of the movies I can watch over and over.

I remember when I first saw this movie, with next to no info on what I was about to sit down for. That character intro montage gave me a wonderful idea of the cast of thieves, in a way that was easy to understand. I may not have remembered all their names the first time around, but I definitely knew their nuances. Fantastic job!

What an absolute treat of a video! I I just happened to watch Oceans 11 with my mother a few days ago, and it's crazy to see just how different it could have been had the original version been released. I'm sure this vid will make for a fun rewatch with her

I grew up with these movies and have watched them more times than I can count. This is such an excellent analysis of what makes it so engaging. Crazy how much difference small details in editing can make.

Verdict: Sometimes the screenwriter knows better than the editor

That pool scene with Ruben is exposed so nicely looks like we went back in time matches his character so well.

I love these videos you make because it helps me understand why I enjoy certain films so much and never oppose to re-watching them. I'm big on cinematography, but these analyses put important, often high-level concepts into simple terms, or at least make them more obvious and easy to understand. Thank you... might go watch an Ocean's movie now...

First video of yours I've watched. I really appreciate how you deliver this. Makes me love that movie even more, and helps me understand the genius of Soderbergh. Thanks again!

Fascinating video. I’ve always had a feeling that some movies just hit the spot and have to feel right for me to get into the vibe. This really helps explain a lot. Thanks.

Fantastic video! I'm learning so much about the art of film with your videos. They're increasing my ability to appreciate movies, and growing my love for them even more (and that's coming from a person that's a huge movie buff)

This is easily one of my favourite movies, and up there with my favourite trilogies as well! I'm apparently not alone in being more invested in the characters than the plot, so that was funny to hear! It is such an awesome gang to follow through the story, and I never tire of watching the movie at least once or twice each year! Keep on rocking, Danny; as always it was a joy listening and watching your video essay! :D

This is one of my favorite films ever. To me it is the most entertaining film ever made. The style, cast, story, dialogue. Everything. I could watch this film anytime it’s on.

Best film analysis channel I've seen. Thank you so much for making these!

Oceans Eleve and the Sequels.are my favourite movies for a reason. Thanks for making this Danny! These masterpieces aren't talked about enough.

You made me go and watch it again. Such a great film, but such precise and clever editing that I'd never really noticed most of it before. Too busy just enjoying the movie. Those real long takes also show the chops of the actors as well. When a director knows he can pull back and keep a trio in shot for minutes long takes knowing that every time they'll hit the notes and deliver the performance. That first scene at Reubens really nails it home. Once the guys get up from the table, you forget how long that moment goes on compared to most conversations in a big budget movie. But you are right that it really helps the scenes that follow it by being a simple long take.

This is my favorite movie of all time so I enjoyed this analysis a lot it really speaks to some of the many things in this film that make me enjoy it so much. Thank you for this and I am adding it to my favorites

Great take! Oceans Trilogy has been in my top 10 movies of all time for a while and it’s great your giving it the recognition it deserves. Bravo 👏

Wow awesome breakdown as usual Danny! I had no idea about adding in a scene to let the movie breathe before diving into faster-paced scenes, and not repeating cuts to make it feel quicker! I knew there were reasons I love the Oceans movies, and once again you've explained perfectly why! Such great content

This and the second are absolute gems, the photography, dialogue, shots, location, soundtrack, it’s all so damn good. It’s funny, it’s sad, it’s exciting, it’s beautiful, it’s soderburgh

STILL one of my favorite movies. The pacing is absolutely incredible from start to finish. Thank you for putting this video together!

I love learning about the "craft" of movies. It makes me appreciate them on a whole new level. This is the first of your content I have watched, but you easily earned a like and a sub. I've no doubt you will have lots more to show me.

The Oceans trilogy has a style I just haven't felt in any other movie I've seen. The rhythm and release analogy makes so much sense. The movies all flow like a song. Everything happens on beat and at the right time. Nothing overstays it's welcome unless it's supposed to . Everything has so much style. It feels so fresh every time. Also probably my favorite use of A Little Less Conversation by Elvis ever put to film.

Thanks for all this neat info and insight that adds even more depth to a great movie. Time for me to go watch it again for like the fifteenth time.

I also think the way Soderbergh uses David Holmes' score makes all of the scenes you mentioned even more dynamic and layered. I love in the opening how that piece of David Holmes music is almost the film's response to the parole board question "what do you think you would you do if released?" It suggests Danny's plans through music. And Soderbergh does that with the music in so many scenes in the film. I think one of the things that makes the film so immersive as a whole is the music, it keeps you in this world that is high stakes and dangerous and fun. Before David Holmes did film scores he was known for being a DJ in the 90s who was a contemporary of people like Fatboy Slim and Moby. He was so perfect for this film bc he was known for mixing genres in really new and exciting ways. So he was able to compose a score that captures the swagger of the rat pack original version of the film but make it totally current and unique to Soderbergh's vision. I think it is a brilliant example of how the composer and director can use music to enhance the impact of every scene, which makes sense since I believe David Holmes does the score for almost all of Soderbergh's films.

Ocean's Eleven is without a doubt my favorite movie but I could never really pinpoint exactly why. Whenever I think of Ocean's, I think about the setting, the heist reveal, the music, and the characters. This really shows how the movie highlights the characters through its pacing and editing. Fantastic video!

You're carrying on the mantle that Every Frame A Painting started, and I'm so happy. Got a subscriber today.

Great video, I loved the very thought out insight!

Amazing job showing us the cuts and edits! Really informative. TY

Bro thanks for the remarcable educational work you make, feel addicted to UKposts shorts and quick videos… yours I’ve watched 3 times in a row

kudos for cutting this video so well, laughed out loud at the matt damon fast cut follow 9:15

One of my favourite movies ever! So glad to see you cover it

Really great breakdown, one thing: Soderbergh pronounces his last name with the long O as in soda or potato :)

That ending at the fountain and the music, just perfection! There are movies I like way more than Oceans Eleven, but this is my favorite movie ending.

I loved your point about the how much space the long-shot take opens up before the sequence of character montages. We do the same thing in music, like in a Taylor Swift song when the music gets completely quiet before a big chorus. The silence gives the audience the impression something BIG is about to happen to fill that space.

This is my favorite movie of all time. Thanks for doing this. I have the whole thing memorized, word for word

Probably my favorite movie ever and it’s for something I hadn’t even realized until you mentioned it. Yes the movie is clever and funny, but the way that each shot was creatively framed cut to cut to cut to cut to cut made every part of the film that much more novel and fast paced and grand.

Your story telling about story telling reinvigorated my love of Ocean's 11. New subscriber.

Ok, new angle for the stuff I already love. Subbed.

It honestly really surprises me how the Ocean’s trilogy isn’t more well-known, especially considering how definitive it was for heist films and how star-studded the cast is. Eleven and Thirteen are easily in my Top 5 favourite films of all time.

I love how these videos all have a title which i can only describe as "youtube short quality" but are good little videos about filmmaking

Great Stuff! Excellent Insight into a Truly Great Film! Thank You!

This has "every frame a painting vibes" in the best way. Nice video!

i appreciate the great editing in this video. im inspired!

I absolutely adore these films. I mean REALLY adore. It's one of the view movies you can literally never tire of. And we get three of them! I hadn't quite appreciated the editing until watching your breakdown. I think you've just made Oceans even sexier 👀

Soderbergh is one of if not my absolute favorite director. David Lynch is a master of dreams, Scorcese can make an epic feel not long enough, Tarantino is a library of mastery, but Soderbergh just makes good movies. His films are so tight and precise. They're like rollercoasters, fun as hell, quicker than you're used to, and once its over, you just wanna jump back on and feel that exhilaration you just fell in love with.

Incredible video essay; Ocean's Eleven was the perfect showcase for what you were going for!

I absolutely love your videos! Thanks for another fantastic study that makes me love a movie I already enjoyed even more.

Before this video if you asked me what made Oceans 11 a great movie id have said the script and the cast but I guess I didnt really appreciate how well edited and directed it is to be entertaining.

The Ocean’s trilogy are still some of my absolute favourite movies ever. So smooth and very much entertaining, funny and with a exceptional choice of casting.

I could probably recite this movie line for line. The pace and editing make it so rewatchable and I’ve rewatched it many times.

Man, if ever there was a movie that encapsulated the feeling I get when watching your videos it would be Ocean's 11. The similar vibes and crisp effort.

Great job, as always. I’ve always loved this film, and you’ve just helped me understand why. I’m going to go watch it again and think about what I’ve learned from you. Can’t wait for your next video!

That opening scene one shot decision was brilliant