Brad Pitt made his first public appearance since his split from Angelina Jolie. The actor looked gaunt yet relaxed during the premier of "Allied" in Los Angeles. He would make the perfect Rusty Ryan in "Ocean's Eight". This would be all-female spin-off of "Ocean's Eleven", where Danny Ocean's sister lead an all-girl group in another attempt for a perfect heist. Brad could make a cameo appearance, as he gives his valuable two cents to Danny's kid sister and her team. George Clooney would be right behind him. (Sandra Bullock will play Danny's sister. Clooney will produce the spin-off. Bullock and Clooney are good friends.)
"Ocean's Eleven", which spawned two sequels, was a remake of "Ocean's 11". Lewis Milestone directed this charming heist film, about World War II veterans who attempted a Las Vegas heist. Some saw the launching picture of the Rat Pack, headed by Frank Sinatra, while others witnessed Dean Martin charting a different course in his career after parting ways with Jerry Lewis. Those who have seen too many Hollywood movies would see it as a departure from the studio era. It was far from a wholesome portrayal of grown-ups who were becoming bored about their lives, and everyone knew what Las Vegas would stand for.
Steven Sodenbergh (and Warner Bros.) assembled an eclectic, if not entertaining, cast for the remake, which would match the Rat Pack. Some argued that it was a case of apples and oranges, while others believed that nothing could beat the original. Let's list down the merits of "Ocean's 11":
The Rat Pack blurred the line separating illusion from reality. Sinatra hit rock bottom during the early 1950s, and then an Academy Award (for "From Here to Eternity") put him back in the spotlight. He starred in unforgettable musicals and beguiling romantic comedies until the Rat Pack came along. The public was fascinated with Sinatra and Martin, along with Sammy Davis, Jr. and Peter Lawford. They were larger than life, which Clooney and company were unable to attain after the completion of production. Blame it on the paparazzi.
Angie Dickinson was the thinking man's dream girl. The native of Kulm, North Dakota was far from Brigitte Bardot, the fantasy girl of the bourgeois rebels. She didn't follow Jane Fonda, whose political involvement stained her career. And she was far from the girl-next-door type. She wasn't overshadowed by the Rat Pack, she didn't end up as a pin-up girl either. And there was something about her eyes.
George Clayton Johnson and Jack Golden Russell came up with a clever story. This was far from the typical script that would be seen in Hollywood nowadays, where an arresting opening would be followed with a forgettable second half. The first half of "Ocean's 11" was pure magic, as the members of Rat Pack cast their spell on the audience. And then the action began during the second half. There would be a twist, which made viewers wanted more (of Sinatra and company). They would be disappointed.
Las Vegas was the ultimate playground. Nelson Riddle's music made the audience believed that they were part of a grand (armchair) entertainment while the cinematography by William H. Daniels couldn't make this desert city more alluring to outsiders. There was no need to think twice.
Let's give credit to the other stars of the films. Shirley MacLaine, George Raft, and Red Skelton were among the handful of stars making their cameo appearance, which delighted the audience. They were in Las Vegas for one reason, and the appeal didn't diminish after many decades.
