George Clooney’s Hidden Masterpiece Before Ocean’s 11 Revealed

George Clooney’s most captivating collaboration with director Steven Soderbergh didn’t occur in the Ocean’s trilogy, but three years prior, in the sleek heist movie Out of Sight (1998). This underrated thriller showcases Clooney and Jennifer Lopez, and is a hidden gem in Soderbergh’s filmography. Based on Elmore Leonard’s novel, Out of Sight revolves around Jack Foley, a bank robber portrayed by Clooge, who escapes from prison and is chased by U.S. Marshal Karen Sisco (Lopez). The core of the movie lies in the relationship between the main characters in Out of Sight.

George Clooney, a prominent figure in Hollywood, has solidified his position as a respected and impactful icon with the role he played in “Out of Sight.” This movie, where he portrayed Jack Foley, significantly contributed to his status. However, at the time of its release, “Out of Sight” did not receive the recognition it deserved. Steven Soderbergh has expressed his discontent with box office trends, noting that mid-budget films like “Out of Sight” and his 2025 production, “Black Bag,” often struggle to attract an audience due to these trends.

Out of Sight’s Lead Characters Are More Interesting Than Ocean’s 11’s

George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez Are The Standouts In Out of Sight

The movie titled “Out of Sight” is a gripping crime drama that stands out more for its exceptional acting than its intense violence or action scenes. Running for 123 minutes, this film is primarily supported by the stellar performances of George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez in their roles as Foley and Sisco. These characters, portrayed by them, are often highlighted as some of the most intriguing in Steven Soderbergh’s work and the wider genre. Critics frequently commend the pair’s performances in reviews for “Out of Sight“, recognizing their electrifying chemistry and the complexity of their characters.

The interaction between the main characters in Out of Sight significantly enhances the movie’s suspense, making it particularly impressive within Clooney’s body of work. Remarkably, these captivating performances were delivered by actors who were still solidifying their positions in the industry, with Clooney, a TV veteran at the time, actively working to establish himself as a leading film actor.

Out of Sight Is Still Massively Underrated 27 Years After Its Release

Out of Sight Is Available On Streaming And Is More Than Worth A Viewing

In the wake of “Pulp Fiction,” Steven Soderbergh’s “Out of Sight” shares many similarities with Quentin Tarantino’s “Jackie Brown.” Set in a cinematic landscape where offbeat crime dramas thrived, it’s somewhat unexpected that this film didn’t garner more success at the box office. Truth be told, “Out of Sight” was quite different from anything Soderbergh had tackled before, which might explain why it didn’t make a bigger splash during its initial release. However, the movie did receive critical acclaim. Regrettably, the success of Soderbergh’s “Oceans” trilogy, as well as films like “Traffic” and “Erin Brockovich,” has unfortunately cast a shadow over this particular film.

Soderbergh’s Highest-Rated Movies (According to Rotten Tomatoes) Year Critic Rating Audience Rating
Is That Black Enough for You?!? 2022 100% 62%
Beats 2019 97% 75%
Sex, Lies, and Videotape 1989 96% 79%
Black Bag 2025 96% 70%
Citizenfour 2014 96% 87%
Once Within a Time 2023 94%
Out of Sight 1998 94% 74%
Behind the Candelabra 2013 94% 71%
Traffic 2001 93% 85%

It’s no surprise that the film “Out of Sight” can be found streaming on multiple platforms today. While it wasn’t always easily accessible, the movie once faced inconsistencies in its streaming availability. However, whether you’re a fan of director Steven Soderbergh or not, this movie appeals to a wide audience and has solidified itself as a standout Hollywood crime film. Despite not setting box office records or dominating streaming charts, the reputation of “Out of Sight” has steadily grown over time. Today, it’s often hailed as a classic and a pivotal moment in the careers of Soderbergh and its leading actors.

Read More

2025-05-17 15:48