It was just past the turn of the century, a very different time. I ran into George at L’Orangerie, playing some spontaneously-created drinking game with Pitt, at which the latter had been running a seeming distant second. I assumed that last because, just as I passed the table, Brad broke for the men’s room with bugging eyes and clenched jaw.
I took the opportunity to plunk down in Pitt’s chair and lean into the town’s biggest draw.
“Don’t do it, George.”
He raised one eyebrow and asked, “Do what?”
“Ocean’s Twelve.”
He looked at me for a moment, briefly flashed his already-legendary Charming Smile, and asked, “And who the fuck are you?”
Knowing I had little time, I dove right in. “I’m someone who cares, George. Not just about this year or that career, but someone who cares about Hollywood, cares about Motion Pictures,” I said, trying to evoke the capital letters with my voice. “Sure, Eleven was a hit, because America needed stability, something comforting. A reboot of a Rat Pack heist movie? Made to order. You and that film were exactly what the town needed.
“But things change. Audiences need a younger, quicker franchise. Heck, ‘Ocean’s’ came out when most moviegoers were kids! They want newer stuff, stuff they can relate to. A rehash of Ocean’s is doomed on arrival.”
Here I leaned in and looked straight into his eyes. “Look, I know this has been a rush, leading such a great, diverse cast to a hit, but if you try a sequel, you risk not only your own reputation but you could bring down the industry. For the love of Hollywood, George, don’t do it.”
Another quick flash of The Smile as his eyes flicked up. I turned around and Pitt was back, behind me. “Excuse me?” he said.
“I was just leaving,” I said, getting up, then turned back to Clooney. “Remember what I said, George. This is bigger than you—“ I gestured to Pitt— “or him or Roberts or Bernie Mac or Soderbergh or any of you. Just don’t do it.”
With that, I walked out.
He did it, of course. Ocean’s Twelve was a monster. 360 million worldwide box. Thirteen was another 300. Hollywood survived.
Maybe George Clooney knows more about movies than I do.