The 1998 crime comedy film “Out of Sight,” directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Scott Frank, is based on Elmore Leonard’s novel of the same name. The film stars George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Ving Rhames, Don Cheadle, Dennis Farina, Nancy Allen, and Steve Zahn among others. It was Soderbergh’s first collaboration with actor George Clooney.
The film stars George Clooney as Jack Foley, a charming bank robber who escapes from prison with the help of his friend Buddy (Ving Rhames), and Jennifer Lopez as Karen Sisco, a US Marshal who is tasked with bringing him back to prison.
“Out of Sight” begins with Jack Foley escaping from prison with his partner Buddy (Ving Rhames) and kidnapping US Marshal Karen Sisco during a heist at a Detroit bank. During their escape, Jack and Karen are forced into the trunk of a car together and share an unexpected moment of attraction.
After they are rescued, Karen is determined to capture Jack and bring him to justice. However, Jack manages to elude Karen and continues to rob banks in order to finance his plan to retire in a tropical paradise. Along the way, he meets up with his former partner-in-crime, Glenn Michaels (Steve Zahn), and the two plan a major heist.
“Out of Sight” focuses less on crime and more on how people talk, flirt, lie, and get themselves into trouble, which makes it an interesting and unique crime comedy film. There is a strong emphasis on character development in the film, which adds depth and complexity to the story.
Mostly, the reasons for its popularity are because of its witty and sharp dialogue, strong performances, and tight direction – particularly with the use of a nonlinear storytelling that keeps the audience hooked until the end. It was a critical and commercial success, and it is widely regarded as one of the best movies of the 1990s.
Where to watch "Out of Sight" (1998)
