Who directed the 2001 heist film Ocean's Eleven?
Answer
Steven Soderbergh
Steven Soderbergh directed the 2001 heist film Ocean's Eleven.
The film is a remake of Ocean's 11, a 1960 caper starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and members of the Rat Pack. Soderbergh's version moved the story's focus to Las Vegas and assembled an ensemble led by George Clooney as Danny Ocean and Brad Pitt as Rusty Ryan.
Soderbergh was already known for films such as Sex, Lies, and Videotape and Erin Brockovich. Ocean's Eleven became a major commercial success and launched two direct sequels, Ocean's Twelve and Ocean's Thirteen. Soderbergh directed all three films in the trilogy.
The movie is often grouped with both crime thrillers and comedy capers because its elaborate casino robbery is balanced by stylish visuals, fast dialogue and a playful tone. It also helped popularize the modern ensemble-heist format, in which each specialist has a clearly defined role.