Steven Soderbergh, known for his versatility across numerous film genres, revealed that directing Ocean’s Eleven was the most intimidating project of his career. Despite his extensive experience since his breakthrough with Sex, Lies, and Videotape in 1989, the scale and complexity of this heist remake presented him with unprecedented challenges. Soderbergh admitted that handling a star-studded cast and managing a considerable studio-sized budget pushed him to his limits as a filmmaker.
A Diverse Career Leading to an Unexpected Source of Anxiety
Over the years, Soderbergh has directed more than 36 films and contributed to television projects, demonstrating his ability in genres ranging from drama and comedy to espionage and experimental cinema. His accolades include competing against himself at the Academy Awards in 2001, where he won the Best Director Oscar for Traffic while also being nominated for Erin Brockovich. Nevertheless, rather than naming one of these critically acclaimed works, Soderbergh selected Ocean’s Eleven as the most memorable due to the pressure he felt.
The Intense Pressure of Managing a Star-Studded Ensemble
Despite having directed several Oscar nominees and award-winning films, Soderbergh confessed to journalist Shivani Vora that the idea of directing an all-star remake of the Rat Pack classic was daunting. The large-scale production and responsibility of harmonizing a unique group of prominent actors left him uncertain. Reflecting on the experience, he said,
“I had never attempted anything on that large of a scale before, and I was terrified. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to execute it. The cast made the movie. It was a unique group of people who made a lot of practical jokes. They put me at ease with their humour.”
– Steven Soderbergh, Director
Success Despite Fears and Lasting Industry Impact
Although apprehensive, Soderbergh’s fears proved unfounded as Ocean’s Eleven achieved remarkable success, earning over $450 million worldwide and spawning a popular franchise. The film’s triumphant reception demonstrated his capability to manage a vast production and orchestrate a complex narrative with a high-profile ensemble. However, the subsequent sequels, Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen, did not match the original’s acclaim, suggesting that capturing the perfect combination of elements in the first film was a rare feat.
The Significance of Ocean’s Eleven in Soderbergh’s Career
For a director whose resume spans an array of genres and styles, Soderbergh’s candid admission about Ocean’s Eleven highlights the unique pressure that comes with large-scale studio productions. His ability to overcome this hurdle emphasizes both his adaptability and skill in the industry. The enduring popularity of the film and its influence underscore its importance, not only to Soderbergh’s career but also to contemporary cinema as a whole, marking it as a defining project amid his many accomplishments.
