Analysis of Oceans 11

http://missedashow.net/media/32/Oceans_11/

For one of our analysis for our pitch last Monday, we chose to look at Oceans 11. The reason we picked Oceans 11 is that the title sequence relates extremely well to the overall narrative of the film. This we found by looking at another crime film is a convention of the genre.

The title sequence of Oceans 11 is very short and uses subtle effects, but it is extremely effective. It shows Daniel Ocean(George Clooney) moving towards a chair that is facing the camera. Through this first part of the sequence we see a midshot of ocean. We also hear a voice from 3 other people out of view from the camera. We find out that this is a hearing to see whether or not to release him from prison. This particular scene has many references to the narrative. This is due to the many micro-element features that have been used. The mise-en-scene plays a big part in referencing the narrative. The setting is a prison and because of the genre being a crime caper it shows that this is where the characters could end up, should they get caught. This references the atmosphere of the narrative because throughout the narrative there is always the rick of getting caught. This also comes through the use of costume, lighting, props and colour. The costume worn by Ocean is stereotypical prison wear consisting of beige overalls. The lighting is low key and the colour of the sequence has a blue tint to it. This shows that it is in a prison which is very secure due to very small windows making the low key lighting and grey concrete reflecting back a blue tint due to the lack of light. The props in this scene only consist of a chair. This shows that prison life is very uncomfortable because they don't look after the needs of the prisoners.

The sound of this scene is also important because all you hear is diegetic sound of the panel and Ocean speaking as well as a continuous drone of the ventilation system. With regards to the characters speaking you get echoes every time that they speak showing that they are in a very large and open space. There is no editing effects in this beginning sequence except for a fade at the beginning. And the camera stays still showing a focus on the character.

At the end of this scene Ocean is asked 'What will you do if released?'. The scene then jump cuts closer to ocean who looks smug showing that he already has another plan. A non-diegetic sound track begins to play. This lets the audience know that he has managed to get out of prison.

The next two scenes follow Ocean getting ready to leave the prison. All of teh camera placements are as if the audience are looking over ocean like a security guard or official. This is because the camera looks through bars, chicken wire fencing as well as panning long shots as he approaches a desk. The scene then cuts to a close up of a ring which relates to a narrative because we find out that his wife left him.

The next scene follows ocean out of prison. This is the first time the role of editing comes into play because this is the first time that we get to see the titles. These fly in from different directions.

And the final scene shows the main title of 'Oceans 11' in the bottom right corner. This scene shows a river or bay on the outskirts of a large American city during the evening.