November 22, 2024 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Ocean’s 8: Bechdel Test at its Best

Behind the Screen By Kathryn Whitney Boole| Can a movie draw you in with almost no violence, no explosions and no sex scenes? “Ocean’s 8” will do just that – and you will also have fun with the neatly hidden clues and references to culture, history and classic movie lore. Notice as the camera pans a Met museum display of lavish Russian Imperial era jewels, “Lara’s Theme” from David Lean’s Dr. Zhivago plays in the background. Anyone who has studied film history or seen old movies will recognize this haunting melody that hints of long-ago Russia. Sandra Bullock as Debbie Ocean sips a martini that she has carried with her in its shaker to visit her brother Danny’s grave, obviously “shaken, not stirred.”

The “Ocean’s 8” screenplay by Olivia Milch and director Gary Ross is smart, great storytelling and full of fun. Ross has written and directed such films as “Big” and “The Hunger Games”. Milch is the daughter of David Milch (“Deadwood,” “NYPD Blue”). The movie is fast-paced, though not quite as rapid-clip as “Ocean’s 11”. Superb acting makes this movie work. Casting Director Debra Zane did a brilliant job. Even with a large cast from wide cultural backgrounds, you will feel that you know each character. Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna and Helena Bonham Carter display quirks that we see in ourselves and in our friends, and each has the skill to paint a fascinating personality in a minimum of screen time.

Anne Hathaway channels Mae West and other divas of early “talkies,” playing the elegant “star on a pedestal” who turns out in real life to have a truck driver personality and a vocabulary to match. James Corden is hilarious as a “Columbo” type insurance detective who may not be as dedicated to his corporate culture as he seems. Michael Gandolfini, son of the late James Gandolfini, plays an innocent weed-smoking busboy for the event. Watch the guests at the Met Gala carefully and you can pick out some social media and movie stars doing fleeting cameos. The musical track by composer Daniel Pemberton is beautifully eclectic, covering many varied cultural styles across the world.

“Ocean’s 8” mocks anyone on today’s grand social stage who takes themselves too seriously. In the end, you are left with an upbeat feeling about the enterprising spirit of humanity, and we do need that so much right now. Humor heals. This band of women prevails, as is the way of women, not by violence and intimidation but with intricate deceit and veiled manipulation. What happens to the stolen necklace in the end is cinematic storytelling at its best, in addition to perhaps being an allegory on the imbalance of wealth and power in our country and throughout the world today.

Kathryn Whitney Boole has spent most of her life in the entertainment industry, which has been the backdrop for remarkable adventures with extraordinary people.  She is a Talent Manager with Studio Talent Group in Santa Monica.

Related Posts

5 Strategies for Entrepreneurs to Succeed in the Gaming Industry

October 15, 2024

October 15, 2024

Gaming is one of the most competitive industries in the world. For entrepreneurs, this industry offers many opportunities but also...

8 Places to Spend Crypto in LA

September 2, 2024

September 2, 2024

Los Angeles is a vibrant city known for its innovative spirit, and as cryptocurrencies gain traction, many local businesses are...

The Best Sites Where You Can Buy TikTok Followers

September 2, 2024

September 2, 2024

TikTok has been popular as a social media platform with its creativity and popularity. Since it’s the case, many of...

Bitcoin Mining in Los Angeles and Its Economic Impact

August 12, 2024

August 12, 2024

Once a quirky computer pastime for the geek squad, bitcoin mining has become a significant economic force in places like...

How to Stay Safe While Enjoying Digital Entertainment in West LA

August 5, 2024

August 5, 2024

Recent developments have shown that so much of people’s daily lives are centered on the internet. A 2021 survey conducted...

Why Choose Local Florists for Your Flower Delivery?

May 12, 2024

May 12, 2024

Finding local florists has become easier than ever with the advent of digital marketplaces. Opting for Nashville flower delivery near...

8 Essential Things to Do After a Car Accident in Las Vegas

April 16, 2024

April 16, 2024

A car crash can be extremely traumatic for the people involved in it. Even if there is no major injury...

8 Essential Things to Do After a CarAccident in Las Vegas

April 8, 2024

April 8, 2024

A car crash can be extremely traumatic for the people involved in it. Even if there is no major injury...

Foreign Currency in International Business Expansion

January 2, 2024

January 2, 2024

Business has transformed into a whole different dimension. The interconnectedness across countries is increasing the feasibility of business expansions. It...

How to Select Quality Solar Panels and Installation in California

January 2, 2024

January 2, 2024

As solar energy becomes more affordable and popular, many homeowners in California are considering installing solar panels. However, not all...

Celebrating Christmas in Las Vegas: A Winter Wonderland of Fun and Festivity

November 15, 2023

November 15, 2023

As the festive season approaches, Las Vegas transforms into a glittering winter wonderland, offering a unique and magical Christmas experience....

Navigating Oxnard’s Public Transportation System: A Driver’s Guide

November 2, 2023

November 2, 2023

Whether you live in Oxnard or want to visit, it’s useful to know how to get around this coastal city....

15 Tips For Keeping Burglars Out Of Your Business

October 16, 2023

October 16, 2023

In the ever-evolving realm of business security, the persistent threat of burglary perpetually looms overhead like a dark cloud. The...

US Gambling Laws

July 12, 2023

July 12, 2023

Whilst casino gaming is a significant part of the American culture, US gambling laws are ever-changing. Prior to the Unlawful...

Reasonable Renting in The City of Angels

June 2, 2023

June 2, 2023

What would it be like to wake up in a bustling metropolis filled with endless possibilities, set against rows of...