Movie Making 101

Rating: Null/10 (8 December 2001)

Mr. Soderbergh has entertained us again, and this time, with a movie about "nothing." If you try to hard to find a social message or point to this picture, your looking at the wrong movie. This picture is what story tellers live for or at least should aim for.
The audience has the ability to live out fantasy. Of course most of the cons used would never work, but, if you think to hard about it, your not letting yourself be told a fictional story. As a film maker, I was taken away by the use of the camera and background action.
When Steven Soderbergh picks up a camera and runs with it, it's pure magic. I can not count the amount of times I said "wow," or "ahhh." He has, once again, directed the best way he knows how. Working in such an active city, Soderbergh surrounded himself with a great crew. Producer Jerry Weintraub, the Pope of Las Vegas, was a true gem for this picture. His connections allowed for the cast and crew to shoot in the middle of the day, in crowded Hotel/Casinos. My hat is off to him.
It's my belief that this cast was not pulled together to lure a fan filled audience, it was brought together to entertain us. Julia, Brad, George, Matt, Bernie, Casey, Scott, Don, Elliott , Mr. Carl Reiner and Andy Garcia, along with the entire cast, DELIVERED! They worked together so well, it made me think "is this real?" Well, it is just a picture, but there is something about it that makes me want to say...Don't over look Mr. Soderbergh come nomination time!
If you want to see how movies should be shot; if you want to see what it takes to put together a crisp shot; if you want to see what story telling is all about: check out Oceans 11. It's not the same as the original, but, there arent many re-makes that are!
NT