"Ocean's Eleven"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how the film "Ocean's Eleven" is part of a trend of films that are popular because they present an aura of 'coolness' around the main characters. In particular it explores how the movie uses film making techniques to push the boundaries and question the conventions of what is considered 'cool'.The essay is split into the following sections: semiotics, narrative structure, genre, audio-visuality and editing. Each section explains key points (with references) and applies them to "Ocean's Eleven" to construct a central argument about film and the conventions of 'cool'.

Outline
Introduction
Section 1: Semiotic Construction of Meaning
Section 2: Narrative Structure
Section 3: Codes and Conventions of Genre
Section 4: Audio - Visuality
Section 5: Editing
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Semiotics can convey more complicated messages when signs are combined. The first time the audience sees Rusty, the suit he is wearing signifies that he is successful and stylish. In particular it brings to mind a James Bond style hero. This would be considered to be part of the paradigmatic axis: the suit was chosen from a whole range of outfits Pitt could have worn, because of what it signified. At the same time, instead of sipping vodka-martini like James Bond, Rusty is eating fast-food with his fingers; in fact he is frequently seen eating this way throughout the film. The syntagmatic axis describes how signs are combined. In this case, Rusty is certainly not the generic, sophisticated hero."

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