1 00:00:01,815 --> 00:00:05,398 (upbeat jazz groove music) 2 00:00:02,000 --> 00:00:07,000 Downloaded from YTS.MX 3 00:00:08,000 --> 00:00:13,000 Official YIFY movies site: YTS.MX 4 00:00:17,160 --> 00:00:18,768 - [Narrator] George Clooney might be celebrated 5 00:00:18,810 --> 00:00:21,618 for his striking looks and effortless charisma, 6 00:00:21,660 --> 00:00:24,918 but his legacy goes far beyond the allure of Hollywood. 7 00:00:24,960 --> 00:00:27,648 As one of the most influential actors in the world, 8 00:00:27,690 --> 00:00:29,988 Clooney has not only dominated the screen, 9 00:00:30,030 --> 00:00:31,818 but has also proven his exceptional 10 00:00:31,860 --> 00:00:33,348 talent behind the camera. 11 00:00:33,390 --> 00:00:35,088 He was incredibly good looking, 12 00:00:35,130 --> 00:00:37,578 which I think he's always very helpful for an actor, 13 00:00:37,620 --> 00:00:41,718 but he also did have the talent to kind of back it up. 14 00:00:41,760 --> 00:00:43,638 - [Narrator] However, Clooney's contributions extend 15 00:00:43,680 --> 00:00:45,348 beyond the realm of cinema. 16 00:00:45,390 --> 00:00:47,148 He uses his platform to advocate 17 00:00:47,190 --> 00:00:49,188 for causes he deeply believes in, 18 00:00:49,230 --> 00:00:51,678 seamlessly blending his art with activism. 19 00:00:51,720 --> 00:00:54,468 He's become a huge advocate for refugees 20 00:00:54,510 --> 00:00:56,568 and for LGBTQ rights. 21 00:00:56,610 --> 00:00:58,278 We see him a lot of times, really, 22 00:00:58,320 --> 00:00:59,958 putting his money where his mouth is 23 00:01:00,000 --> 00:01:03,858 and being one of the people who really does step up. 24 00:01:03,900 --> 00:01:05,538 Together with his wife Amal, 25 00:01:05,580 --> 00:01:07,938 he co-founded a charity that aims to tackle 26 00:01:07,980 --> 00:01:10,728 some of the world's most challenging problems, 27 00:01:10,770 --> 00:01:13,473 demonstrating his commitment to making a difference. 28 00:01:15,150 --> 00:01:16,938 While some might assume that his path to stardom 29 00:01:16,980 --> 00:01:18,618 was paved by his famous aunt, 30 00:01:18,660 --> 00:01:20,508 the legendary Rosemary Clooney, 31 00:01:20,550 --> 00:01:23,088 George's journey was far from easy. 32 00:01:23,130 --> 00:01:24,228 Before achieving fame, 33 00:01:24,270 --> 00:01:26,538 he endured years of struggle and hard work, 34 00:01:26,580 --> 00:01:27,768 gradually building his career 35 00:01:27,810 --> 00:01:29,760 through perseverance and determination. 36 00:01:30,930 --> 00:01:33,558 This documentary delves into the life of George Clooney, 37 00:01:33,600 --> 00:01:36,678 exploring his rise to fame, his impressive body of work, 38 00:01:36,720 --> 00:01:40,323 and his unwavering dedication to activism and philanthropy. 39 00:01:41,820 --> 00:01:45,318 Join us as we uncover the many layers of George Clooney, 40 00:01:45,360 --> 00:01:46,788 a remarkable individual 41 00:01:46,830 --> 00:01:49,053 whose impact transcends the silver screen. 42 00:02:02,269 --> 00:02:06,019 (gentle country blues music) 43 00:02:17,031 --> 00:02:19,158 In the small town of Lexington, Kentucky, 44 00:02:19,200 --> 00:02:23,513 George Timothy Clooney was born on May 6th, 1961. 45 00:02:24,390 --> 00:02:26,208 Raised in a family with strong connections 46 00:02:26,250 --> 00:02:27,858 to the entertainment industry, 47 00:02:27,900 --> 00:02:29,808 Clooney's early life was steeped in the world 48 00:02:29,850 --> 00:02:31,173 of television and film. 49 00:02:32,130 --> 00:02:36,093 - So George Clooney comes from a showbiz background. 50 00:02:36,990 --> 00:02:41,028 His father worked in television 51 00:02:41,070 --> 00:02:43,911 and his aunt was the singer Rosemary Clooney. 52 00:02:43,953 --> 00:02:47,418 So a very famous American singer 53 00:02:47,460 --> 00:02:48,708 from the middle of the 20th century 54 00:02:48,750 --> 00:02:50,988 who did the Great American Songbook. 55 00:02:51,030 --> 00:02:54,438 So I think when he first hit the scene, 56 00:02:54,480 --> 00:02:57,828 everyone was aware that George Clooney was related 57 00:02:57,870 --> 00:03:01,128 to Rosemary Clooney 'cause she still had such a big name. 58 00:03:01,170 --> 00:03:02,448 [Narrator] Despite his early exposure 59 00:03:02,490 --> 00:03:04,098 to the entertainment industry, 60 00:03:04,140 --> 00:03:06,618 George's initial passions laid elsewhere. 61 00:03:06,660 --> 00:03:10,398 He was an avid sports enthusiast, particularly in baseball. 62 00:03:10,440 --> 00:03:13,638 Growing up, he was a very good student 63 00:03:13,680 --> 00:03:18,438 and wasn't really interested in acting at first. 64 00:03:18,480 --> 00:03:23,088 He was very sporty and wanted to play baseball 65 00:03:23,130 --> 00:03:25,038 and tried out, in fact, 66 00:03:25,080 --> 00:03:29,568 for the Cincinnati Reds when he was about 17. 67 00:03:29,610 --> 00:03:32,538 But unfortunately, he wasn't successful, 68 00:03:32,580 --> 00:03:35,958 and instead decided to go to university 69 00:03:36,000 --> 00:03:39,498 and become a journalist like his dad. 70 00:03:39,540 --> 00:03:41,388 - [Narrator] Two years later, George Clooney's life 71 00:03:41,430 --> 00:03:44,418 took an unexpected turn when his uncle, Jose Ferrer 72 00:03:44,460 --> 00:03:48,078 and cousin Miguel visited Kentucky for a nearby film shoot. 73 00:03:48,120 --> 00:03:51,168 During this visit, Miguel offered George a job opportunity 74 00:03:51,210 --> 00:03:52,713 as an extra on the film set. 75 00:03:53,580 --> 00:03:55,758 This small break set off a chain reaction 76 00:03:55,800 --> 00:03:58,158 prompting Clooney to question his journalism studies 77 00:03:58,200 --> 00:04:00,198 and consider a different path. 78 00:04:00,240 --> 00:04:02,958 Inspired by the experience, he began to wonder 79 00:04:03,000 --> 00:04:05,748 if Los Angeles might hold the key to his future, 80 00:04:05,790 --> 00:04:07,968 sparking a pivotal moment in his journey 81 00:04:08,010 --> 00:04:09,423 towards Hollywood stardom. 82 00:04:11,435 --> 00:04:14,602 (glitzy upbeat music) 83 00:04:27,660 --> 00:04:29,778 After saving up enough money to buy a car, 84 00:04:29,820 --> 00:04:32,238 George Clooney drove off to Los Angeles with dreams 85 00:04:32,280 --> 00:04:34,608 of making it big in Hollywood. 86 00:04:34,650 --> 00:04:36,798 The plan was to move in with his aunt, Rosemary 87 00:04:36,840 --> 00:04:39,528 and his cousin, Miguel, while working as a driver 88 00:04:39,570 --> 00:04:41,628 and auditioning for roles. 89 00:04:41,670 --> 00:04:44,598 However, George and Miguel started partying frequently. 90 00:04:44,640 --> 00:04:47,418 Seeing that George wasn't that focused on his career, 91 00:04:47,460 --> 00:04:49,548 Rosemary eventually kicked him out. 92 00:04:49,590 --> 00:04:51,288 He ended up moving in with his best friend, 93 00:04:51,330 --> 00:04:53,388 sleeping on a mattress on the floor for a year, 94 00:04:53,430 --> 00:04:55,893 struggling with little money and few auditions. 95 00:05:00,660 --> 00:05:04,818 At that stage, he has so little charisma 96 00:05:04,860 --> 00:05:06,678 and screen presence 97 00:05:06,720 --> 00:05:09,048 and so it's really interesting to think about 98 00:05:09,090 --> 00:05:12,018 what changes from that time in the early 1980s 99 00:05:12,060 --> 00:05:13,855 when he's on screen, you're thinking, 100 00:05:13,897 --> 00:05:16,008 "That guy's a little awkward-looking," 101 00:05:16,050 --> 00:05:20,238 to becoming this enormous screen presence 102 00:05:20,280 --> 00:05:24,888 and this very mature and confident screen presence. 103 00:05:24,930 --> 00:05:27,318 When he's younger, he has too much hair. 104 00:05:27,360 --> 00:05:30,393 He doesn't have a particularly flattering haircut. 105 00:05:31,710 --> 00:05:35,598 Despite having relatives who were actors 106 00:05:35,640 --> 00:05:36,708 and kind of a father 107 00:05:36,750 --> 00:05:38,988 who was a little bit connected in the industry, 108 00:05:39,030 --> 00:05:43,668 he actually had to work quite hard to get his big break. 109 00:05:43,710 --> 00:05:47,988 And he for a while, was starring in quite a lot of small, 110 00:05:48,030 --> 00:05:50,448 low budget, quite bad films. 111 00:05:50,490 --> 00:05:54,768 There's a very memorable one called "Grizzly II: Revenge", 112 00:05:54,810 --> 00:05:57,018 which is about a killer bear 113 00:05:57,060 --> 00:06:01,338 and is regarded for being quite terrible. 114 00:06:01,380 --> 00:06:02,868 [Narrator] Despite the common perception 115 00:06:02,910 --> 00:06:05,088 that George Clooney had an easy ride to fame 116 00:06:05,130 --> 00:06:07,488 thanks to his famous aunt, Rosemary Clooney, 117 00:06:07,530 --> 00:06:09,318 his journey was far from smooth. 118 00:06:09,360 --> 00:06:10,938 He paid his dues in the industry, 119 00:06:10,980 --> 00:06:13,705 taking on roles in notoriously questionable films like 120 00:06:13,747 --> 00:06:15,558 "Return of the Killer Tomatoes". 121 00:06:15,600 --> 00:06:17,748 These early gigs, far from glamorous, 122 00:06:17,790 --> 00:06:21,018 were essential in shaping his resilience and determination. 123 00:06:21,060 --> 00:06:25,728 - So I think something like that is a fascinating relic 124 00:06:25,770 --> 00:06:28,428 that proves that even someone like George Clooney 125 00:06:28,470 --> 00:06:31,688 had to really start at the bottom of the barrel 126 00:06:31,730 --> 00:06:33,648 (chuckles) when it came to his career. 127 00:06:33,690 --> 00:06:35,358 [Narrator] Finally, in 1984, 128 00:06:35,400 --> 00:06:38,388 George Clooney's first breakthrough arrived when he was cast 129 00:06:38,430 --> 00:06:42,798 in a TV series set in a Chicago hospital called "E/R", 130 00:06:42,840 --> 00:06:45,108 not to be confused with the later series "ER" 131 00:06:45,150 --> 00:06:47,178 that would catapult him to stardom. 132 00:06:47,220 --> 00:06:49,548 Although the show only ran for 22 episodes 133 00:06:49,590 --> 00:06:51,348 before being canceled, 134 00:06:51,390 --> 00:06:54,333 it marked his first significant step into the industry. 135 00:06:55,290 --> 00:06:58,698 - He had quite a few small roles around this time, 136 00:06:58,740 --> 00:07:01,158 both on television and in film, 137 00:07:01,200 --> 00:07:04,758 and he was doing kind of guest spots 138 00:07:04,800 --> 00:07:08,598 on shows like "Golden Girls" and "Murder, She Wrote". 139 00:07:08,640 --> 00:07:12,018 But he was really struggling to kind of break through 140 00:07:12,060 --> 00:07:13,758 properly for a couple of years, 141 00:07:13,800 --> 00:07:18,800 and it wouldn't be until the second "ER" in the '90s 142 00:07:18,960 --> 00:07:21,318 that he really found his big break 143 00:07:21,360 --> 00:07:23,410 and started getting noticed in Hollywood. 144 00:07:25,800 --> 00:07:28,878 So George Clooney joined "ER" right at the beginning 145 00:07:28,920 --> 00:07:32,028 when it was starting on NBC, 146 00:07:32,070 --> 00:07:35,238 and it was kind of a cutting-edge show. 147 00:07:35,280 --> 00:07:40,038 It was very grizzly and very realistic, 148 00:07:40,080 --> 00:07:44,178 and took this groundbreaking documentary-style approach 149 00:07:44,220 --> 00:07:46,128 where there were multiple cameras 150 00:07:46,170 --> 00:07:48,708 and it was very, very fast-paced 151 00:07:48,750 --> 00:07:51,708 and had a lot of very technical dialogue. 152 00:07:51,750 --> 00:07:56,208 And George Clooney played Doug Ross, who was a pediatrician 153 00:07:56,250 --> 00:07:58,188 and a notorious ladies man, 154 00:07:58,230 --> 00:08:00,078 which I think is kind of where 155 00:08:00,120 --> 00:08:03,798 his reputation as a ladies man maybe started out. 156 00:08:03,840 --> 00:08:07,818 But the show was really a breath of fresh air 157 00:08:07,860 --> 00:08:09,618 on the networks in America 158 00:08:09,660 --> 00:08:13,038 and became incredibly successful almost overnight. 159 00:08:13,080 --> 00:08:14,868 - When it's working and you can feel when it isn't 160 00:08:14,910 --> 00:08:16,218 or when it's mediocre, 161 00:08:16,260 --> 00:08:20,538 the show is, in every sense of the word, a classy show, 162 00:08:20,580 --> 00:08:23,178 and hits in general are our time slots, 163 00:08:23,220 --> 00:08:25,878 and we have the best time slot NBC has to offer. 164 00:08:25,920 --> 00:08:29,118 So we are a very good show in a very good time slot. 165 00:08:29,160 --> 00:08:32,148 There is always a good sense that you will do well. 166 00:08:32,190 --> 00:08:34,668 - One of the reasons that "ER" was so popular was 167 00:08:34,710 --> 00:08:37,218 that it really was like nothing else 168 00:08:37,260 --> 00:08:39,318 that had been on television up until that point. 169 00:08:39,360 --> 00:08:43,578 It was very much different from the kind of 170 00:08:43,620 --> 00:08:45,468 scripted dramas that had come before, 171 00:08:45,510 --> 00:08:49,398 and there was a real sense of urgency to it, 172 00:08:49,440 --> 00:08:54,018 and it was incredibly dramatic, incredibly tense to watch, 173 00:08:54,060 --> 00:08:56,958 and had this incredible cast of characters 174 00:08:57,000 --> 00:09:00,318 who all felt very realistic and very lived-in. 175 00:09:00,360 --> 00:09:02,958 And I think, particularly for Clooney, 176 00:09:03,000 --> 00:09:05,928 it was a real showcase for him, 177 00:09:05,970 --> 00:09:08,508 not only as a charismatic 178 00:09:08,550 --> 00:09:11,748 and kind of charming presence on screen, 179 00:09:11,790 --> 00:09:15,513 but also as someone with a real dramatic talent. 180 00:09:16,497 --> 00:09:18,812 (upbeat music) 181 00:09:18,854 --> 00:09:21,604 (fans screaming) 182 00:09:24,030 --> 00:09:25,938 - [Narrator] George Clooney, a name synonymous with 183 00:09:25,980 --> 00:09:28,098 Hollywood charisma and versatility, 184 00:09:28,140 --> 00:09:30,768 began his ascent to stardom in the mid '90s. 185 00:09:30,810 --> 00:09:34,278 His first breakthrough in the movie world came in 1996 186 00:09:34,320 --> 00:09:36,588 with the film "From Dusk Till Dawn", 187 00:09:36,630 --> 00:09:39,288 where he co-starred with Quentin Tarantino. 188 00:09:39,330 --> 00:09:43,608 - So "From Dusk Till Dawn" was a vampire film 189 00:09:43,650 --> 00:09:48,078 made in 1996 by Robert Rodriguez 190 00:09:48,120 --> 00:09:50,478 from a script by Quentin Tarantino. 191 00:09:50,520 --> 00:09:55,520 And this was a very different side to George Clooney 192 00:09:55,830 --> 00:09:57,678 than had been seen in "ER". 193 00:09:57,720 --> 00:10:02,238 He was playing a pretty nasty criminal 194 00:10:02,280 --> 00:10:05,988 by the name of Seth Gecko, who was on the run 195 00:10:06,030 --> 00:10:08,748 after a bank robbery with his little brother Richie, 196 00:10:08,790 --> 00:10:10,758 played by Quentin Tarantino. 197 00:10:10,800 --> 00:10:15,618 So it's a very fun concept, I think, for a film. 198 00:10:15,660 --> 00:10:19,398 And I think that George Clooney really embraces 199 00:10:19,440 --> 00:10:21,558 his role within the kind of chaos. 200 00:10:21,600 --> 00:10:25,818 And it was the first time that he had found a role 201 00:10:25,860 --> 00:10:29,268 where he was playing a kind of scummy character, 202 00:10:29,310 --> 00:10:33,408 but still with this real kind of bad boy charm to him 203 00:10:33,450 --> 00:10:36,798 that I think a lot of people found quite appealing. 204 00:10:36,840 --> 00:10:40,548 But the film is also just really fun and really silly 205 00:10:40,590 --> 00:10:43,368 and a little bit scandalous for the time. 206 00:10:43,410 --> 00:10:45,618 I think that even by '90s standards, 207 00:10:45,660 --> 00:10:49,038 it was still considered a little bit shocking. 208 00:10:49,080 --> 00:10:52,878 And Tarantino was someone whose star was really starting 209 00:10:52,920 --> 00:10:56,178 to kind of rise at the same time as Clooney's. 210 00:10:56,220 --> 00:11:00,498 So I think the combination of Clooney, Tarantino 211 00:11:00,540 --> 00:11:04,218 and Robert Rodriguez is really what made the film 212 00:11:04,260 --> 00:11:06,303 a kind of cult classic. 213 00:11:07,691 --> 00:11:08,482 [Narrator] The following year, 214 00:11:08,524 --> 00:11:11,238 Clooney's star power was solidified when he was named 215 00:11:11,280 --> 00:11:15,378 People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive in 1997. 216 00:11:15,420 --> 00:11:17,658 This accolade further boosted his popularity 217 00:11:17,700 --> 00:11:20,373 and solidified his status as a leading man. 218 00:11:21,900 --> 00:11:23,688 It wasn't long before he landed what seemed 219 00:11:23,730 --> 00:11:26,028 to be the pinnacle of his career at the time, 220 00:11:26,070 --> 00:11:28,668 the role of Batman in "Batman and Robin". 221 00:11:28,710 --> 00:11:30,708 Unfortunately, the film was a commercial 222 00:11:30,750 --> 00:11:33,138 and critical disaster with many ridiculing 223 00:11:33,180 --> 00:11:35,733 the infamous bat suit adorned with nipples. 224 00:11:36,570 --> 00:11:38,118 The failure of "Batman & Robin" 225 00:11:38,160 --> 00:11:40,338 was a significant setback for Clooney, 226 00:11:40,380 --> 00:11:43,278 especially given the high expectations set by the success 227 00:11:43,320 --> 00:11:45,258 of previous Batman films. 228 00:11:45,300 --> 00:11:47,448 So Batman is one of the kind of 229 00:11:47,490 --> 00:11:49,758 most enduring roles in Hollywood. 230 00:11:49,800 --> 00:11:53,328 I think that for any actor who takes on that role, 231 00:11:53,370 --> 00:11:55,908 they know not only do they have the weight 232 00:11:55,950 --> 00:11:58,518 of iconic performances on them, 233 00:11:58,560 --> 00:12:00,978 but of a very, very loud 234 00:12:01,020 --> 00:12:02,598 and very committed fan base 235 00:12:02,640 --> 00:12:05,688 who will let you know if they're not happy with a decision. 236 00:12:05,730 --> 00:12:10,638 And I think that it's difficult with such an iconic role, 237 00:12:10,680 --> 00:12:13,158 not only to put your own spin on it, 238 00:12:13,200 --> 00:12:17,208 but to do something that is gonna make everyone happy. 239 00:12:17,250 --> 00:12:18,588 It's definitely a tricky one, 240 00:12:18,630 --> 00:12:21,078 and I think that any actor who has 241 00:12:21,120 --> 00:12:23,088 played the role of Batman will tell you 242 00:12:23,130 --> 00:12:26,958 that you are going to be criticized no matter what you do. 243 00:12:27,000 --> 00:12:29,718 This was Michael Keaton's role 244 00:12:29,760 --> 00:12:32,513 and will always be Michael Keaton's role, he did it first. 245 00:12:34,290 --> 00:12:35,838 Sean Connery is James Bond. 246 00:12:35,880 --> 00:12:36,798 You know, no one else, 247 00:12:36,840 --> 00:12:40,038 a lot of other people have done it, but it's Sean's role. 248 00:12:40,080 --> 00:12:42,828 So whenever you take over someone's role, 249 00:12:42,870 --> 00:12:44,388 you first have to accept the fact 250 00:12:44,430 --> 00:12:45,858 that it's not gonna be yours. 251 00:12:45,900 --> 00:12:48,258 And so you try not to change the part too much. 252 00:12:48,300 --> 00:12:49,375 So I didn't go in saying, 253 00:12:49,417 --> 00:12:50,658 "Let's just throw out everything 254 00:12:50,700 --> 00:12:53,088 and do something completely different." 255 00:12:53,130 --> 00:12:55,818 But by the same token, I thought it was time 256 00:12:55,860 --> 00:12:57,738 and talked with the director Joel Schumacher about it, 257 00:12:57,780 --> 00:13:00,228 I thought it was time that he stopped 258 00:13:00,270 --> 00:13:01,668 talking about his parents being dead 259 00:13:01,710 --> 00:13:02,898 and feeling sorry for himself 260 00:13:02,940 --> 00:13:06,310 because I think that heroes in general 261 00:13:07,500 --> 00:13:09,528 don't say, "Woe is me," and don't... 262 00:13:09,570 --> 00:13:12,468 I think heroes perform admirably in tough situations 263 00:13:12,510 --> 00:13:13,728 and don't talk about it. 264 00:13:13,770 --> 00:13:16,398 The fact that Batman had changed 265 00:13:16,440 --> 00:13:18,678 so many times within those years 266 00:13:18,720 --> 00:13:21,828 did mean that there was a little bit of a failure 267 00:13:21,870 --> 00:13:23,778 to find consistency. 268 00:13:23,820 --> 00:13:27,108 And there was something about "Batman & Robin" 269 00:13:27,150 --> 00:13:30,738 that just felt a little bit hokey, maybe, 270 00:13:30,780 --> 00:13:32,328 a little bit amateurish. 271 00:13:32,370 --> 00:13:34,908 And now when we look back at it, 272 00:13:34,950 --> 00:13:38,868 it's definitely the one that seems the most slapstick, 273 00:13:38,910 --> 00:13:41,808 which I think was maybe not the vibe 274 00:13:41,850 --> 00:13:44,703 that fans were looking for at the time. 275 00:13:46,410 --> 00:13:48,378 Chicks dig the car. 276 00:13:48,420 --> 00:13:50,403 This is why Superman works alone. 277 00:13:51,360 --> 00:13:53,628 - There has been a bit more of an appreciation 278 00:13:53,670 --> 00:13:55,008 as time has gone on, 279 00:13:55,050 --> 00:13:58,968 but I think George Clooney, certainly even to this day, 280 00:13:59,010 --> 00:14:01,098 finds the whole thing a little bit embarrassing. 281 00:14:01,140 --> 00:14:04,068 And even in 2020 was apologizing 282 00:14:04,110 --> 00:14:05,868 to Howard Stern about his role in it, 283 00:14:05,910 --> 00:14:07,368 which I think is very endearing 284 00:14:07,410 --> 00:14:10,068 that he still finds it quite necessary 285 00:14:10,110 --> 00:14:13,848 to be sorry about how bad his Batman film was. 286 00:14:13,890 --> 00:14:16,368 But it's certainly something that fans, I think, 287 00:14:16,410 --> 00:14:18,738 are more willing to look back on now 288 00:14:18,780 --> 00:14:21,798 with a little bit more levity. 289 00:14:21,840 --> 00:14:23,628 And in 2023, 290 00:14:23,670 --> 00:14:27,438 he did play Bruce Wayne in a cameo in "The Flash" movie. 291 00:14:27,480 --> 00:14:30,408 So I think maybe Clooney has kind of come to terms 292 00:14:30,450 --> 00:14:32,358 with the fact that it wasn't as bad 293 00:14:32,400 --> 00:14:33,858 as he remembers it being. 294 00:14:33,900 --> 00:14:36,078 - [Narrator] Despite the setback, Clooney had the security 295 00:14:36,120 --> 00:14:39,558 of his ongoing role on the popular TV show "ER", 296 00:14:39,600 --> 00:14:40,788 allowing him the luxury 297 00:14:40,830 --> 00:14:43,368 to be selective about his next project. 298 00:14:43,410 --> 00:14:45,708 This careful consideration led to his casting 299 00:14:45,750 --> 00:14:49,968 in "Out of Sight", in 1998, opposite Jennifer Lopez. 300 00:14:50,010 --> 00:14:53,298 Directed by the emerging talent, Steven Soderbergh, 301 00:14:53,340 --> 00:14:55,488 the film was a resounding success. 302 00:14:55,530 --> 00:14:57,835 So Steven Soderbergh had directed 303 00:14:57,877 --> 00:15:00,588 "Sex Lies and Videotape" in 1989, 304 00:15:00,630 --> 00:15:03,228 and he became the youngest winner ever 305 00:15:03,270 --> 00:15:05,508 of the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, 306 00:15:05,550 --> 00:15:07,068 which is one of the biggest honors 307 00:15:07,110 --> 00:15:08,928 you can win as a director. 308 00:15:08,970 --> 00:15:13,970 So he'd started the '90s as a very exciting filmmaker 309 00:15:14,670 --> 00:15:15,978 and really one to watch, 310 00:15:16,020 --> 00:15:19,518 but he hadn't had that much success until "Out of Sight". 311 00:15:19,560 --> 00:15:22,848 So the film was based on this novel by Elmore Leonard, 312 00:15:22,890 --> 00:15:25,398 who was quite a prolific writer, 313 00:15:25,440 --> 00:15:28,908 and Danny DeVito had bought the rights as a producer. 314 00:15:28,950 --> 00:15:31,938 So for Soderbergh, it was a chance 315 00:15:31,980 --> 00:15:34,698 to kind of find a little bit of redemption almost, 316 00:15:34,740 --> 00:15:37,608 and it felt like something quite different for him. 317 00:15:37,650 --> 00:15:40,008 It was definitely more light-hearted 318 00:15:40,050 --> 00:15:41,868 than some of his past work. 319 00:15:41,910 --> 00:15:43,848 And he brought in George Clooney 320 00:15:43,890 --> 00:15:47,538 and Jennifer Lopez who would play the lead roles. 321 00:15:47,580 --> 00:15:51,648 And it really was a great combination of performers, 322 00:15:51,690 --> 00:15:53,808 in that they brought this real charisma 323 00:15:53,850 --> 00:15:56,298 and a sort of sexiness to the film 324 00:15:56,340 --> 00:15:58,608 that I think appealed to a lot of people. 325 00:15:58,650 --> 00:15:59,778 Well, does this make any sense to you? 326 00:15:59,820 --> 00:16:01,098 Doesn't have to. 327 00:16:01,140 --> 00:16:02,553 It's something that happens. 328 00:16:03,750 --> 00:16:06,318 It's like seeing someone for the first time, 329 00:16:06,360 --> 00:16:07,788 like you could be passing on the street 330 00:16:07,830 --> 00:16:10,098 and you look at each other 331 00:16:10,140 --> 00:16:13,353 and for a few seconds there's this kind of a, a recognition, 332 00:16:14,280 --> 00:16:15,318 like you both know something, 333 00:16:15,360 --> 00:16:17,778 the next moment the person's gone, and, 334 00:16:17,820 --> 00:16:19,920 and it's too late to do anything about it. 335 00:16:21,120 --> 00:16:23,028 And you always remember it because it was there 336 00:16:23,070 --> 00:16:23,928 and you let it go. 337 00:16:23,970 --> 00:16:26,058 And you think to yourself, what if I had stopped? 338 00:16:26,100 --> 00:16:27,702 What if I had said something? 339 00:16:27,744 --> 00:16:29,563 What if? 340 00:16:29,605 --> 00:16:30,523 What if? 341 00:16:31,377 --> 00:16:32,808 [Narrator] The movie marked the beginning 342 00:16:32,850 --> 00:16:35,868 of a fruitful collaboration between Clooney and Soderbergh 343 00:16:35,910 --> 00:16:36,888 who would go on to create 344 00:16:36,930 --> 00:16:39,768 several critically acclaimed films together. 345 00:16:39,810 --> 00:16:41,268 With newfound confidence, 346 00:16:41,310 --> 00:16:43,728 Clooney decided to transition fully into Hollywood, 347 00:16:43,770 --> 00:16:46,368 necessitating his departure from "ER". 348 00:16:46,410 --> 00:16:49,218 His exit episode was a poignant moment for the show, 349 00:16:49,260 --> 00:16:52,638 highlighting Clooney's significant impact on its success. 350 00:16:52,680 --> 00:16:54,198 By the end of the 1990s, 351 00:16:54,240 --> 00:16:56,778 I think Clooney had recovered a little bit 352 00:16:56,820 --> 00:17:01,098 from the embarrassment of "Batman & Robin" not doing as well 353 00:17:01,140 --> 00:17:03,738 as I think everyone had hoped for. 354 00:17:03,780 --> 00:17:08,178 He had just decided that he was going to be leaving "ER", 355 00:17:08,220 --> 00:17:10,548 so he was really in a good place to kind of 356 00:17:10,590 --> 00:17:13,818 start this next era of his career. 357 00:17:13,860 --> 00:17:16,788 And I think that "Out of Sight" was a good way 358 00:17:16,830 --> 00:17:20,268 of launching this new sort of era for Clooney. 359 00:17:20,310 --> 00:17:23,328 He'd already worked with people like Nicole Kidman 360 00:17:23,370 --> 00:17:26,628 with Terrence Malick on "The Thin Red Line", 361 00:17:26,670 --> 00:17:28,728 and he'd hosted "Saturday Night Live", 362 00:17:28,770 --> 00:17:32,508 which was kind of the pinnacle for any actor of the time. 363 00:17:32,550 --> 00:17:36,678 So I think that by the time the millennium came along, 364 00:17:36,720 --> 00:17:39,828 he was really in ascent as a star, 365 00:17:39,870 --> 00:17:42,318 and I think that it was a sign of big things 366 00:17:42,360 --> 00:17:43,910 just around the corner for him. 367 00:17:45,600 --> 00:17:47,838 - [Narrator] Clooney continued to take on diverse roles, 368 00:17:47,880 --> 00:17:50,365 including a turn in the Coen Brothers comedic film, 369 00:17:50,407 --> 00:17:52,848 "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" 370 00:17:52,890 --> 00:17:55,158 Known for turning down more lucrative offers, 371 00:17:55,200 --> 00:17:57,318 Clooney prioritized working with directors 372 00:17:57,360 --> 00:17:59,118 and on projects he admired, 373 00:17:59,160 --> 00:18:01,038 demonstrating his dedication to the craft 374 00:18:01,080 --> 00:18:03,108 over mere financial gain. 375 00:18:03,150 --> 00:18:04,938 So "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" 376 00:18:04,980 --> 00:18:08,778 is the Coen Brothers' take on "The Odyssey", 377 00:18:08,820 --> 00:18:13,368 which is the epic poem by Homer from ancient Greece 378 00:18:13,410 --> 00:18:15,048 Very amusingly to this day, 379 00:18:15,090 --> 00:18:16,788 neither of them have read the poem. 380 00:18:16,830 --> 00:18:18,888 They were purely going based on 381 00:18:18,930 --> 00:18:22,668 how they thought it might be, which I think speaks a lot 382 00:18:22,710 --> 00:18:25,068 to their own kind of chaotic energy, 383 00:18:25,110 --> 00:18:29,118 which is really encapsulated by this film, which is so fun. 384 00:18:29,160 --> 00:18:32,568 And it really demonstrates, I think, 385 00:18:32,610 --> 00:18:34,698 Clooney's comedic timing 386 00:18:34,740 --> 00:18:37,278 and skill as a comedic actor, 387 00:18:37,320 --> 00:18:40,368 as well as how charming he is on screen. 388 00:18:40,410 --> 00:18:43,428 It is a very unusual role for him. 389 00:18:43,470 --> 00:18:48,470 He usually plays men that are urbane, sophisticated 390 00:18:49,502 --> 00:18:51,708 and intelligent. 391 00:18:51,750 --> 00:18:56,477 And here he's playing a kind of country bumpkin convict 392 00:18:57,510 --> 00:18:59,148 on the run with two other convicts. 393 00:18:59,190 --> 00:19:00,678 They've escaped from prison 394 00:19:00,720 --> 00:19:03,738 and they're trying to find some buried treasure, 395 00:19:03,780 --> 00:19:07,248 and they have adventure after adventure. 396 00:19:07,290 --> 00:19:08,208 It's very episodic. 397 00:19:08,250 --> 00:19:09,708 Is this gentlemen bothering you? 398 00:19:09,750 --> 00:19:12,137 Well, you can't marry my wife! 399 00:19:13,745 --> 00:19:17,209 (upbeat bluegrass music) (punches smacking) 400 00:19:17,251 --> 00:19:18,068 And stay out of the Woolworth. 401 00:19:18,110 --> 00:19:22,248 - He was able to deliver the Coen's very trademark, 402 00:19:22,290 --> 00:19:26,118 witty banter in a way that felt totally natural. 403 00:19:26,160 --> 00:19:28,428 And this definitely set the stage again 404 00:19:28,470 --> 00:19:30,348 for a very prolific friendship 405 00:19:30,390 --> 00:19:33,288 and working relationship with the Coens. 406 00:19:33,330 --> 00:19:36,108 - [Narrator] The film quickly became a cultural sensation, 407 00:19:36,150 --> 00:19:37,578 earning widespread acclaim 408 00:19:37,620 --> 00:19:40,368 and achieving notable box office success. 409 00:19:40,410 --> 00:19:43,128 George Clooney's performance was particularly lauded, 410 00:19:43,170 --> 00:19:45,948 earning him a Golden Globe for Best Actor. 411 00:19:45,990 --> 00:19:48,438 This accolade further cemented Clooney's reputation 412 00:19:48,480 --> 00:19:51,048 as a versatile and talented actor, 413 00:19:51,090 --> 00:19:53,403 proving he was far more than just his looks. 414 00:19:55,110 --> 00:19:57,228 Following the triumph of his recent films 415 00:19:57,270 --> 00:19:59,448 and his ascent as a Hollywood icon, 416 00:19:59,490 --> 00:20:00,918 George Clooney was determined 417 00:20:00,960 --> 00:20:03,378 to elevate his career even further. 418 00:20:03,420 --> 00:20:05,178 Reuniting with Stephen Soderbergh, 419 00:20:05,220 --> 00:20:07,248 the duo launched a new production company 420 00:20:07,290 --> 00:20:09,985 setting the stage for their next ambitious project, 421 00:20:10,027 --> 00:20:11,538 "Ocean's 11". 422 00:20:11,580 --> 00:20:13,368 Clooney believed that a stellar cast 423 00:20:13,410 --> 00:20:15,258 was crucial for a blockbuster. 424 00:20:15,300 --> 00:20:19,158 So he enlisted Hollywood's finest, including Brad Pitt, 425 00:20:19,200 --> 00:20:21,093 Julia Roberts, and Matt Damon. 426 00:20:21,930 --> 00:20:24,678 So "Ocean's 11" is a caper film 427 00:20:24,720 --> 00:20:29,298 or a heist film based on an early 1960s film 428 00:20:29,340 --> 00:20:33,018 that had great success back then. 429 00:20:33,060 --> 00:20:34,518 I don't think anyone remembered it 430 00:20:34,560 --> 00:20:37,698 by the time Clooney came to remake it, 431 00:20:37,740 --> 00:20:38,748 it was a forgotten film. 432 00:20:38,790 --> 00:20:41,621 And so it was really ripe for the picking, 433 00:20:41,663 --> 00:20:43,057 a great story. 434 00:20:43,099 --> 00:20:45,288 Soderbergh was able to take 435 00:20:45,330 --> 00:20:48,331 this pretty straightforward idea of 436 00:20:48,373 --> 00:20:51,491 a very charismatic character bringing together a gang 437 00:20:51,533 --> 00:20:55,638 of sort of motley crew to carry off this heist. 438 00:20:55,680 --> 00:20:59,628 And he took what is, I think, quite a simple story, 439 00:20:59,670 --> 00:21:02,718 but just did it with such elegance and such charm 440 00:21:02,760 --> 00:21:07,760 and casting Clooney as the centerpiece of this amazing cast, 441 00:21:08,250 --> 00:21:11,088 including Brad Pitt and Matt Damon and Bernie Mac, 442 00:21:11,130 --> 00:21:15,018 and just the most kind of 2000s 443 00:21:15,060 --> 00:21:17,178 powerhouse cast you can imagine. 444 00:21:17,220 --> 00:21:20,238 It's such a feat of not only performance, but directing. 445 00:21:20,280 --> 00:21:22,518 And it's just such a fun film to watch, 446 00:21:22,560 --> 00:21:25,158 particularly with people who haven't seen it before. 447 00:21:25,200 --> 00:21:27,588 Because when you know how it's going to go, 448 00:21:27,630 --> 00:21:30,168 you kind of feel like you are in on the job a little bit. 449 00:21:30,210 --> 00:21:31,488 You're kind of part of it, 450 00:21:31,530 --> 00:21:33,228 even though you're sat there in the audience, 451 00:21:33,270 --> 00:21:34,278 Never been done before. 452 00:21:34,320 --> 00:21:35,111 What's the target? 453 00:21:35,153 --> 00:21:36,315 When was the last time you were in Vegas? 454 00:21:36,357 --> 00:21:38,388 You wanna knock over a casino? 455 00:21:38,430 --> 00:21:39,263 Three casinos? 456 00:21:40,219 --> 00:21:41,604 (scoffs) Oh. 457 00:21:41,646 --> 00:21:44,478 (upbeat jazz groove music) 458 00:21:44,520 --> 00:21:45,558 - Vegas, huh? - Vegas. 459 00:21:45,600 --> 00:21:46,908 - Vegas. - Fantastic. 460 00:21:46,950 --> 00:21:49,008 [Announcer] The heist is impossible. 461 00:21:49,050 --> 00:21:51,468 Casino security cannot be beaten. 462 00:21:51,510 --> 00:21:53,388 You're out of your minds. 463 00:21:53,430 --> 00:21:54,263 Exactly. 464 00:21:55,440 --> 00:21:57,228 You're up to something, Danny. What? 465 00:21:57,270 --> 00:21:58,758 You're pulling a job, aren't you? 466 00:21:58,800 --> 00:22:00,228 You're a thief and a liar. 467 00:22:00,270 --> 00:22:01,908 I only lied about being a thief. 468 00:22:01,950 --> 00:22:06,950 - It's something that I think really elevated the heist film 469 00:22:07,350 --> 00:22:11,538 to something that could be slick and cool, 470 00:22:11,580 --> 00:22:14,478 but also charming and sexy. 471 00:22:14,520 --> 00:22:18,018 And it's something that not many other directors 472 00:22:18,060 --> 00:22:19,338 have been able to pull off since. 473 00:22:19,380 --> 00:22:22,248 And I think that a lot of that is down to Soderbergh 474 00:22:22,290 --> 00:22:23,358 and it's down to Clooney 475 00:22:23,400 --> 00:22:27,828 and down to their kind of easiness together as a duo. 476 00:22:27,870 --> 00:22:30,408 And certainly I think it's maybe the best 477 00:22:30,450 --> 00:22:31,548 heist film ever made. 478 00:22:31,590 --> 00:22:34,518 It still, to this day, when I watch them all 479 00:22:34,560 --> 00:22:37,075 standing at the Bellagio Fountain after the heist, 480 00:22:37,117 --> 00:22:39,048 it gives me goosebumps every time. 481 00:22:39,090 --> 00:22:41,298 I think it is the pinnacle of 482 00:22:41,340 --> 00:22:43,383 what is possible from a heist movie. 483 00:22:47,582 --> 00:22:50,749 (smooth upbeat music) 484 00:22:55,290 --> 00:22:56,688 - [Narrator] George Clooney's career in Hollywood 485 00:22:56,730 --> 00:22:58,938 has been nothing short of remarkable, 486 00:22:58,980 --> 00:23:01,068 marked by a blend of exceptional talent 487 00:23:01,110 --> 00:23:03,378 and relentless determination. 488 00:23:03,420 --> 00:23:07,098 After achieving worldwide success with "Ocean's 11" in 2001, 489 00:23:07,140 --> 00:23:09,018 Clooney took on a transformative role 490 00:23:09,060 --> 00:23:12,768 in the 2005 film "Syriana", a political thriller 491 00:23:12,810 --> 00:23:14,995 written and directed by Stephen Gaghan. 492 00:23:15,037 --> 00:23:18,288 "Syriana" was directed by Stephen Gaghan, 493 00:23:18,330 --> 00:23:22,758 who was one of Soderbergh's close friends and collaborators. 494 00:23:22,800 --> 00:23:24,558 He'd worked on "Traffic", 495 00:23:24,600 --> 00:23:27,768 and it's quite a complex film 496 00:23:27,810 --> 00:23:31,398 about Middle Eastern politics. 497 00:23:31,440 --> 00:23:35,628 George Clooney's character is a veteran CIA agent 498 00:23:35,670 --> 00:23:39,558 who is employed onto this detail, 499 00:23:39,600 --> 00:23:41,448 which ends up kind of being embroiled 500 00:23:41,490 --> 00:23:44,748 in this whole corruption case within the Middle East. 501 00:23:44,790 --> 00:23:46,548 And to play the role, 502 00:23:46,590 --> 00:23:50,448 Clooney had gained quite a significant amount of weight, 503 00:23:50,490 --> 00:23:54,168 about 30 pounds to play this CIA agent. 504 00:23:54,210 --> 00:23:58,248 And he suffered quite a bad injury on set, 505 00:23:58,290 --> 00:24:02,148 I think, when they were filming the kind of key moment, 506 00:24:02,190 --> 00:24:05,478 which is a big explosion scene within the film. 507 00:24:05,520 --> 00:24:08,298 And he ended up damaging his spine 508 00:24:08,340 --> 00:24:11,958 and had spinal fluid coming out of his nose, 509 00:24:12,000 --> 00:24:14,508 which sounds horrifying to think about, 510 00:24:14,550 --> 00:24:17,868 but to his credit, finished filming the film 511 00:24:17,910 --> 00:24:20,688 and then went and got surgery to fix it. 512 00:24:20,730 --> 00:24:24,198 So he really suffered for his art in "Syriana", 513 00:24:24,240 --> 00:24:28,068 but he did win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. 514 00:24:28,110 --> 00:24:30,378 And I think a lot of people do consider it 515 00:24:30,420 --> 00:24:31,998 one of his finest roles. 516 00:24:32,040 --> 00:24:34,638 So it wasn't all for nothing. 517 00:24:34,680 --> 00:24:37,750 - And the Oscar goes to George Clooney in "Syriana". 518 00:24:37,792 --> 00:24:41,238 (audience applauding) 519 00:24:41,280 --> 00:24:42,738 - [Announcer] This is the first Academy Award 520 00:24:42,780 --> 00:24:45,498 and third nomination tonight for George Clooney. 521 00:24:45,540 --> 00:24:48,168 This is the first time a nominee in the directing category 522 00:24:48,210 --> 00:24:51,273 is also nominated in an acting category for another film. 523 00:24:55,410 --> 00:24:56,808 Wow. 524 00:24:56,850 --> 00:24:58,098 Wow. 525 00:24:58,140 --> 00:25:00,621 All right, so I'm not winning director. 526 00:25:00,663 --> 00:25:03,198 (audience laughing) 527 00:25:03,240 --> 00:25:05,208 - [Narrator] After participating in politically charged 528 00:25:05,250 --> 00:25:08,598 and historical films like "Syriana" and "The Good German", 529 00:25:08,640 --> 00:25:10,188 Clooney's growing interest in political 530 00:25:10,230 --> 00:25:13,428 and humanitarian issues became even more evident. 531 00:25:13,470 --> 00:25:16,548 In 2007, he co-created a poignant documentary 532 00:25:16,590 --> 00:25:18,558 with his father, traveling to Darfur 533 00:25:18,600 --> 00:25:19,998 to capture the harsh realities 534 00:25:20,040 --> 00:25:22,248 of the genocide taking place there. 535 00:25:22,290 --> 00:25:24,468 This powerful film served as a clarion call 536 00:25:24,510 --> 00:25:26,418 for global awareness and action, 537 00:25:26,460 --> 00:25:28,248 highlighting Clooney's deep commitment 538 00:25:28,290 --> 00:25:29,958 to humanitarian causes. 539 00:25:30,000 --> 00:25:32,658 I don't need, you know, 540 00:25:32,700 --> 00:25:34,668 to get people who are already agreeing with me. 541 00:25:34,710 --> 00:25:37,038 We need to rally people who don't. 542 00:25:37,080 --> 00:25:41,148 So I hope that it's a, it's a march about peace. 543 00:25:41,190 --> 00:25:42,738 You know, that's what I want. 544 00:25:42,780 --> 00:25:45,138 - [Narrator] In 2008, Clooney's political engagement 545 00:25:45,180 --> 00:25:47,418 took another significant step forward 546 00:25:47,460 --> 00:25:50,688 as he supported Barack Obama's presidential campaign. 547 00:25:50,730 --> 00:25:53,598 Clooney was vocal about urging the new administration 548 00:25:53,640 --> 00:25:54,888 to intensify efforts 549 00:25:54,930 --> 00:25:57,948 and resolve the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, 550 00:25:57,990 --> 00:26:00,678 demonstrating his willingness to leverage his celebrity 551 00:26:00,720 --> 00:26:02,088 for meaningful advocacy. 552 00:26:02,130 --> 00:26:04,688 - That you, an actor with a pretty good day job- 553 00:26:04,730 --> 00:26:06,618 - I do. - is so troubled by 554 00:26:06,660 --> 00:26:08,493 what is going on in South Sudan. 555 00:26:09,510 --> 00:26:10,968 Because it's a, 556 00:26:11,010 --> 00:26:12,948 there's massive atrocities are going on there. 557 00:26:12,990 --> 00:26:15,258 People, it's not just that people are being displaced. 558 00:26:15,300 --> 00:26:17,418 Five million people have been displaced in South Sudan. 559 00:26:17,460 --> 00:26:19,638 There's hundreds of thousands of people being killed 560 00:26:19,680 --> 00:26:22,428 and there's policies towards rape. 561 00:26:22,470 --> 00:26:24,086 It's very hard to let that go. 562 00:26:24,128 --> 00:26:26,028 And it's very, and and you feel as if they have nothing. 563 00:26:26,070 --> 00:26:30,168 There isn't the kind of resources in the United States 564 00:26:30,210 --> 00:26:33,708 or here to follow up and find these, 565 00:26:33,750 --> 00:26:36,168 the people who are helping to support these criminals 566 00:26:36,210 --> 00:26:39,258 who are living 15 kilometers from here in a nice house. 567 00:26:39,300 --> 00:26:41,118 - [Reporter] So is it about shaming these individuals? 568 00:26:41,160 --> 00:26:43,428 You know, they're going to fancy London restaurants 569 00:26:43,470 --> 00:26:44,261 and... That's right. 570 00:26:44,303 --> 00:26:45,094 - [Reporter] you want their names out there. 571 00:26:45,136 --> 00:26:46,998 Absolutely, and if you read the reports, 572 00:26:47,040 --> 00:26:48,195 some of their names are out there, 573 00:26:48,237 --> 00:26:50,808 and there will be more, this is just the beginning. 574 00:26:50,850 --> 00:26:51,641 [Narrator] During this time, 575 00:26:51,683 --> 00:26:54,408 George Clooney increasingly stepped behind the camera, 576 00:26:54,450 --> 00:26:56,328 directing a growing number of projects 577 00:26:56,370 --> 00:26:59,058 that clearly reflected his political convictions 578 00:26:59,100 --> 00:27:00,798 and personal values. 579 00:27:00,840 --> 00:27:02,568 By taking on meaningful films, 580 00:27:02,610 --> 00:27:05,958 Clooney showcased his dedication to causes he believed in, 581 00:27:06,000 --> 00:27:08,388 using his platform to advocate for significant 582 00:27:08,430 --> 00:27:10,233 social and political issues. 583 00:27:11,250 --> 00:27:14,928 In the 2000s, Clooney showed that he was 584 00:27:14,970 --> 00:27:17,778 increasingly interested in directing films. 585 00:27:17,820 --> 00:27:21,715 So he directed a number of films, "The Monuments Men", 586 00:27:21,757 --> 00:27:24,715 "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind", 587 00:27:24,757 --> 00:27:26,088 "Good Night, and Good Luck." 588 00:27:26,130 --> 00:27:29,448 I think the best that can be said for his films as director 589 00:27:29,490 --> 00:27:32,088 is that they're worthy. 590 00:27:32,130 --> 00:27:35,520 They're all quite serious projects in which he, 591 00:27:35,562 --> 00:27:37,908 you know, he clearly has something to say, 592 00:27:37,950 --> 00:27:40,097 but like a lot of worthy dramas, 593 00:27:40,139 --> 00:27:41,958 they're just a little slow. 594 00:27:42,000 --> 00:27:43,908 They lack a bit of pace 595 00:27:43,950 --> 00:27:46,698 and he hasn't found a lot of box office success 596 00:27:46,740 --> 00:27:48,648 as a director. 597 00:27:48,690 --> 00:27:50,688 - I think that Clooney's passion for storytelling 598 00:27:50,730 --> 00:27:54,138 maybe doesn't always transfer across as a director 599 00:27:54,180 --> 00:27:56,178 in the way it does as an actor. 600 00:27:56,220 --> 00:27:59,058 But I think that there's so much heart in his films, 601 00:27:59,100 --> 00:28:02,238 even when I don't necessarily think it's a good film. 602 00:28:02,280 --> 00:28:03,858 I really just appreciate 603 00:28:03,900 --> 00:28:06,708 that he is out there doing his own thing. 604 00:28:06,750 --> 00:28:11,418 And I think that something like "Good Night, and Good Luck" 605 00:28:11,460 --> 00:28:14,988 is an incredibly hard proposition as a film fan, 606 00:28:15,030 --> 00:28:18,078 and he manages to make it engaging. 607 00:28:18,120 --> 00:28:22,068 So I think it's great that he is still so committed 608 00:28:22,110 --> 00:28:25,338 to telling stories as well as to starring in films, 609 00:28:25,380 --> 00:28:28,518 but for me, nothing will ever beat seeing him on screen. 610 00:28:28,560 --> 00:28:31,998 And I wish that he would do more of that if it means 611 00:28:32,040 --> 00:28:34,818 we have to sacrifice a few quite mediocre 612 00:28:34,860 --> 00:28:36,513 George Clooney directing gigs. 613 00:28:37,800 --> 00:28:39,708 - [Narrator] Clooney's diverse talent shone brightly again 614 00:28:39,750 --> 00:28:41,598 when he lent his voice to the title character 615 00:28:41,640 --> 00:28:45,438 in Wes Anderson's animated feature "Fantastic Mr. Fox", 616 00:28:45,480 --> 00:28:49,248 a story based on the novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. 617 00:28:49,290 --> 00:28:52,188 - So "Fantastic Mr. Fox" was a stop motion film 618 00:28:52,230 --> 00:28:56,988 directed by Wes Anderson, who is known for making films 619 00:28:57,030 --> 00:28:58,638 including "The Royal Tenenbaums" 620 00:28:58,680 --> 00:29:00,648 and "The Grand Budapest Hotel". 621 00:29:00,690 --> 00:29:03,828 And he has a very distinctive visual style, 622 00:29:03,870 --> 00:29:07,008 which is very elaborate and very detailed, 623 00:29:07,050 --> 00:29:09,828 and often features these really big, 624 00:29:09,870 --> 00:29:11,478 quite complicated casts. 625 00:29:11,520 --> 00:29:15,258 And "Fantastic Mr. Fox" was his first 626 00:29:15,300 --> 00:29:16,938 full scale animated film, 627 00:29:16,980 --> 00:29:19,938 and it took them about three or four years to make it. 628 00:29:19,980 --> 00:29:23,808 And I think that George Clooney's casting as Mr. Fox 629 00:29:23,850 --> 00:29:28,308 was such a playful choice on Wes Anderson's part. 630 00:29:28,350 --> 00:29:30,108 I think it must have been inspired 631 00:29:30,150 --> 00:29:32,808 by him appearing in "Ocean's 11" 632 00:29:32,850 --> 00:29:36,108 because it's so hard to separate this character 633 00:29:36,150 --> 00:29:40,548 who is stealing in order to feed his family 634 00:29:40,590 --> 00:29:42,258 from this character who is stealing 635 00:29:42,300 --> 00:29:45,678 in order to kind of get revenge on an old enemy. 636 00:29:45,720 --> 00:29:50,720 And there's a lot of kind of similarities, I guess, 637 00:29:50,910 --> 00:29:54,258 in between the plots, which you wouldn't maybe expect. 638 00:29:54,300 --> 00:29:56,538 - Boggis, Bunce and Bean, three of the meanest, 639 00:29:56,580 --> 00:29:58,987 nastiest, ugliest farmers in this valley. 640 00:29:59,029 --> 00:30:01,271 (loud thud) What was that? 641 00:30:01,313 --> 00:30:02,988 (ground crunching) They're digging us up. 642 00:30:03,030 --> 00:30:04,668 - [Announcer] What they're about to discover- 643 00:30:04,710 --> 00:30:05,928 Oh, Foxy. 644 00:30:05,970 --> 00:30:07,218 Is help on the way? 645 00:30:07,260 --> 00:30:08,748 - [Announcer] He's one fox- 646 00:30:08,790 --> 00:30:09,978 - I've got an idea. - Woo-hoo! 647 00:30:10,020 --> 00:30:11,538 - [Announcer] You can't out-fox. 648 00:30:11,580 --> 00:30:12,528 Mole, what do you got? 649 00:30:12,570 --> 00:30:14,088 - I can see in the dark. - We can use that. 650 00:30:14,130 --> 00:30:15,138 Rabbit? - I'm fast. 651 00:30:15,180 --> 00:30:16,668 - Badger? - Demolitions expert. 652 00:30:16,710 --> 00:30:17,975 What? Since when? 653 00:30:18,017 --> 00:30:19,428 (explosions blasting) 654 00:30:19,470 --> 00:30:20,818 Here, put these bandit hats on. 655 00:30:20,860 --> 00:30:23,778 - I don't have a bandit hat, but I modified this tube sock. 656 00:30:23,820 --> 00:30:25,548 - We look good. - Yeah. 657 00:30:25,590 --> 00:30:29,118 - I think that his casting was a stroke of genius, 658 00:30:29,160 --> 00:30:32,088 because Clooney does have a very distinctive voice 659 00:30:32,130 --> 00:30:37,130 and is very able to deliver all this kind of very quick, 660 00:30:37,860 --> 00:30:40,758 very complex dialogue with such ease 661 00:30:40,800 --> 00:30:43,578 and playing against someone like Meryl Streep, 662 00:30:43,620 --> 00:30:46,398 I think it was just such an incredibly well-cast film 663 00:30:46,440 --> 00:30:50,298 and really managed to appeal not only to kids 664 00:30:50,340 --> 00:30:53,748 as an animated film about cute animals, but to adults 665 00:30:53,790 --> 00:30:56,335 because they had the kind of meta layer of, 666 00:30:56,377 --> 00:31:00,198 "Oh, it's George Clooney doing 'Ocean's 11' with animals," 667 00:31:00,240 --> 00:31:03,048 which I think really appealed to a lot of people, 668 00:31:03,090 --> 00:31:06,768 but it also managed to maintain its own kind of identity 669 00:31:06,810 --> 00:31:09,543 and be kind of something completely different. 670 00:31:11,040 --> 00:31:12,528 By the end of the 2000s, 671 00:31:12,570 --> 00:31:14,988 Clooney had already established himself as 672 00:31:15,030 --> 00:31:17,478 one of the biggest actors in the world, 673 00:31:17,520 --> 00:31:21,378 and he started and finished the decade 674 00:31:21,420 --> 00:31:25,908 with a heist film in "Ocean's 11" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox", 675 00:31:25,950 --> 00:31:28,938 which I think proves his kind of versatility 676 00:31:28,980 --> 00:31:33,918 and how widely associated with the Ocean's franchise 677 00:31:33,960 --> 00:31:35,958 he had become by this point. 678 00:31:36,000 --> 00:31:38,358 But I think that the decade was 679 00:31:38,400 --> 00:31:41,358 a real period of success for Clooney 680 00:31:41,400 --> 00:31:45,678 and really meant that by the time it finished, 681 00:31:45,720 --> 00:31:49,113 he was seen as one of the biggest stars in the world. 682 00:31:51,630 --> 00:31:53,238 - [Narrator] After his captivating performance 683 00:31:53,280 --> 00:31:55,638 in the critically acclaimed film "Gravity", 684 00:31:55,680 --> 00:31:59,448 George Clooney began to shift his focus away from acting. 685 00:31:59,490 --> 00:32:01,698 He started to prioritize his passion for directing 686 00:32:01,740 --> 00:32:03,828 and producing, seeking to tell stories 687 00:32:03,870 --> 00:32:06,798 from behind the camera rather than in front of it. 688 00:32:06,840 --> 00:32:09,168 This change marked a significant turning point 689 00:32:09,210 --> 00:32:11,088 in Clooney's illustrious career 690 00:32:11,130 --> 00:32:13,038 as he explored new creative avenues 691 00:32:13,080 --> 00:32:16,068 and took on a variety of impactful projects 692 00:32:16,110 --> 00:32:19,398 - Throughout the 2010s, I think that Clooney's career 693 00:32:19,440 --> 00:32:22,848 does sort of take a downward turn, 694 00:32:22,890 --> 00:32:26,778 and the films that he's making both behind the camera 695 00:32:26,820 --> 00:32:30,558 and in front of the camera are a little less successful. 696 00:32:30,600 --> 00:32:33,558 But I think that he's still trying new things. 697 00:32:33,600 --> 00:32:36,648 Something like "Tomorrowland", which he directed, 698 00:32:36,690 --> 00:32:39,738 based on the Disney ride of the same name 699 00:32:39,780 --> 00:32:41,688 was a really big swing for him. 700 00:32:41,730 --> 00:32:44,868 And I just think it wasn't maybe the right fit, 701 00:32:44,910 --> 00:32:47,328 but it proves that he still was very committed 702 00:32:47,370 --> 00:32:49,158 to trying out new things. 703 00:32:49,200 --> 00:32:51,288 And something like "Suburbicon", 704 00:32:51,330 --> 00:32:56,330 again, a film that had a lot of kudos behind it, 705 00:32:56,743 --> 00:32:59,238 in that it was written by the Coen brothers 706 00:32:59,280 --> 00:33:00,903 who Clooney was friends with. 707 00:33:01,950 --> 00:33:03,378 On paper, it sounded like 708 00:33:03,420 --> 00:33:05,148 it would've been the perfect project 709 00:33:05,190 --> 00:33:07,668 'cause he had Matt Damon, he had Oscar Isaac, 710 00:33:07,710 --> 00:33:12,710 he had this incredible, complex, and fun, zany plot, 711 00:33:13,440 --> 00:33:16,068 but it all just kind of didn't come together in the end. 712 00:33:16,110 --> 00:33:17,748 And I think that it was definitely 713 00:33:17,790 --> 00:33:20,538 a bit of a downturn period for him. 714 00:33:20,580 --> 00:33:22,548 But at the same time, it was around then 715 00:33:22,590 --> 00:33:24,828 that he met his wife and started a family. 716 00:33:24,870 --> 00:33:27,738 So I don't think that Clooney probably felt 717 00:33:27,780 --> 00:33:29,298 the effects of it too badly. 718 00:33:29,340 --> 00:33:31,518 I think that he was quite glad to have 719 00:33:31,560 --> 00:33:33,633 something else in his life to focus on. 720 00:33:34,882 --> 00:33:37,965 (gentle jazz music) 721 00:33:47,070 --> 00:33:49,218 - [Narrator] In 2014, Clooney's personal life 722 00:33:49,260 --> 00:33:51,648 took a transformative turn when he became engaged 723 00:33:51,690 --> 00:33:55,428 to British Lebanese human rights lawyer, Amal Alamuddin. 724 00:33:55,470 --> 00:33:57,318 The couple's shared passion for campaigning 725 00:33:57,360 --> 00:33:58,728 and supporting similar causes, 726 00:33:58,770 --> 00:34:00,933 forged a strong bond between them. 727 00:34:01,920 --> 00:34:04,428 Clooney often expressed how their mutual dedication 728 00:34:04,470 --> 00:34:07,188 to humanitarian work strengthened their relationship, 729 00:34:07,230 --> 00:34:09,948 making it a central aspect of their life together. 730 00:34:09,990 --> 00:34:12,348 Throughout most of his career, 731 00:34:12,390 --> 00:34:17,390 George Clooney was known as a confirmed bachelor. 732 00:34:17,880 --> 00:34:22,278 He dated many people, some famous, some not, 733 00:34:22,320 --> 00:34:25,968 but he didn't seem to be very interested in settling down 734 00:34:26,010 --> 00:34:29,598 and getting married until he met his wife, Amal, 735 00:34:29,640 --> 00:34:31,833 who is a human rights lawyer, 736 00:34:32,760 --> 00:34:37,398 and who shared some of his interest in social causes. 737 00:34:37,440 --> 00:34:40,248 - It seemed like a really interesting partnership 738 00:34:40,290 --> 00:34:43,698 because they'd met because of his humanitarian work 739 00:34:43,740 --> 00:34:48,498 and predominantly because of "The Monuments Men", 740 00:34:48,540 --> 00:34:52,113 which is a bit of a strange way to meet someone. 741 00:34:53,310 --> 00:34:56,238 But it turned out that they were both very interested in 742 00:34:56,280 --> 00:35:00,498 the restitution of the Elgin Marbles to Greece, 743 00:35:00,540 --> 00:35:03,018 which is something that Clooney had spoken out about 744 00:35:03,060 --> 00:35:04,968 at the time of the film's release 745 00:35:05,010 --> 00:35:07,758 and angered quite a lot of high up British people, 746 00:35:07,800 --> 00:35:09,348 including Boris Johnson. 747 00:35:09,390 --> 00:35:13,398 - They married in 2017, and by all accounts, 748 00:35:13,440 --> 00:35:16,398 it is one of the happiest of Hollywood marriages. 749 00:35:16,440 --> 00:35:19,488 And they now have two children together 750 00:35:19,530 --> 00:35:22,548 and keep their lives very, very private. 751 00:35:22,590 --> 00:35:24,588 Whereas I think previously, his life was, 752 00:35:24,630 --> 00:35:26,748 his private life was very public. 753 00:35:26,790 --> 00:35:29,058 It was often in magazines and often discussed. 754 00:35:29,100 --> 00:35:32,644 They are now quite a private family. 755 00:35:32,686 --> 00:35:36,603 (gentle jazz music continues) 756 00:35:40,230 --> 00:35:41,778 - [Narrator] Following the birth of his twins, 757 00:35:41,820 --> 00:35:43,128 Ella and Alexander, 758 00:35:43,170 --> 00:35:45,468 George Clooney chose to step back from the limelight, 759 00:35:45,510 --> 00:35:48,678 taking a three year hiatus from major film roles. 760 00:35:48,720 --> 00:35:51,258 During this period, he dedicated his creative energy 761 00:35:51,300 --> 00:35:54,768 to the television series, "Catch-22", serving as a director 762 00:35:54,810 --> 00:35:57,288 and taking on a minor acting role. 763 00:35:57,330 --> 00:35:59,328 This project allowed Clooney to stay connected 764 00:35:59,370 --> 00:36:02,268 to the industry without the demands of headline movie roles, 765 00:36:02,310 --> 00:36:05,118 giving him the space to focus on his growing family. 766 00:36:05,160 --> 00:36:07,848 - So "Catch-22" is a miniseries 767 00:36:07,890 --> 00:36:10,398 based on Joseph Heller's book, 768 00:36:10,440 --> 00:36:11,658 which is kind of regarded as 769 00:36:11,700 --> 00:36:14,208 one of the great anti-war novels. 770 00:36:14,250 --> 00:36:17,958 And it's been unsuccessfully realized a few times. 771 00:36:18,000 --> 00:36:21,798 But this miniseries that Clooney was involved in 772 00:36:21,840 --> 00:36:26,568 was pretty highly regarded and pretty successful. 773 00:36:26,610 --> 00:36:29,238 And I think that it demonstrates 774 00:36:29,280 --> 00:36:32,388 kind of Clooney's commitment to, again, 775 00:36:32,430 --> 00:36:35,538 like incredibly ambitious storytelling 776 00:36:35,580 --> 00:36:37,038 and this sort of personal interest 777 00:36:37,080 --> 00:36:39,648 he has in World War II history, 778 00:36:39,690 --> 00:36:42,168 which is a very dad interest to have. 779 00:36:42,210 --> 00:36:43,968 But we see it again with "The Monuments Men". 780 00:36:44,010 --> 00:36:46,188 It's something that clearly interests him 781 00:36:46,230 --> 00:36:48,288 and that he sees a lot of value in. 782 00:36:48,330 --> 00:36:49,908 First of all, don't you think it's, 783 00:36:49,950 --> 00:36:51,168 there's never really a bad time 784 00:36:51,210 --> 00:36:52,908 to talk about the absurdity of war 785 00:36:52,950 --> 00:36:55,878 and there's never a bad time to talk about 786 00:36:55,920 --> 00:36:59,388 trying to beat the system. 787 00:36:59,430 --> 00:37:01,218 'Cause the system pretty much always wins. 788 00:37:01,260 --> 00:37:04,398 And I think most people feel that way. 789 00:37:04,440 --> 00:37:06,558 I also feel like we're, 790 00:37:06,600 --> 00:37:09,438 we're facing a pretty absurd time in our lives. 791 00:37:09,480 --> 00:37:11,208 You know, all of us, you know, 792 00:37:11,250 --> 00:37:13,038 in every country around the world right now. 793 00:37:13,080 --> 00:37:14,268 I've seen it in the Philippines, 794 00:37:14,310 --> 00:37:16,098 you've seen Orban in Hungary, 795 00:37:16,140 --> 00:37:18,018 and you've seen it pretty much everywhere, 796 00:37:18,060 --> 00:37:20,058 United States, obviously. 797 00:37:20,100 --> 00:37:24,138 So I think anytime we're able to laugh about 798 00:37:24,180 --> 00:37:26,418 and remind ourselves that these things are temporary, 799 00:37:26,460 --> 00:37:28,608 it's probably a good thing to do. 800 00:37:28,650 --> 00:37:30,438 - [Reporter] Do you feel a sort of a personal responsibility 801 00:37:30,480 --> 00:37:33,678 as an artist, as a filmmaker to spread that kind of message? 802 00:37:33,720 --> 00:37:35,748 Or, you know, poke holes in these bubbles a bit? 803 00:37:35,790 --> 00:37:39,168 Well, my job as a storyteller has always, 804 00:37:39,210 --> 00:37:40,398 I've always felt that way. 805 00:37:40,440 --> 00:37:42,168 And, you know, sometimes you're successful with, 806 00:37:42,210 --> 00:37:44,071 and sometimes you're not. 807 00:37:44,113 --> 00:37:47,088 But that's been my choice as a, 808 00:37:47,130 --> 00:37:48,498 in how I like to be creative. 809 00:37:48,540 --> 00:37:49,878 And it's also been my choice in how 810 00:37:49,920 --> 00:37:51,168 I like to live my life and other things. 811 00:37:51,210 --> 00:37:52,835 So, you know, it's worked out okay. 812 00:37:52,877 --> 00:37:57,618 - Well, "Catch-22" was really regarded for its performances 813 00:37:57,660 --> 00:37:58,848 and for its ambition. 814 00:37:58,890 --> 00:38:01,938 And I think that Clooney very smartly decided 815 00:38:01,980 --> 00:38:04,548 to take quite a small role, quite a pivotal 816 00:38:04,590 --> 00:38:07,325 but small role as Lieutenant Scheisskopf. 817 00:38:07,367 --> 00:38:09,948 And this was a good example of Clooney working 818 00:38:09,990 --> 00:38:12,858 behind the scenes to get a project made 819 00:38:12,900 --> 00:38:15,378 that he felt very passionately about. 820 00:38:15,420 --> 00:38:17,358 - [Narrator] But George Clooney's dedication to justice 821 00:38:17,400 --> 00:38:20,028 goes beyond his cinematic achievements. 822 00:38:20,070 --> 00:38:21,948 While he highlights important issues 823 00:38:21,990 --> 00:38:23,508 through the films he directs, 824 00:38:23,550 --> 00:38:25,638 Clooney also actively participates 825 00:38:25,680 --> 00:38:28,038 in numerous activist causes. 826 00:38:28,080 --> 00:38:30,198 He tirelessly supports minority groups, 827 00:38:30,240 --> 00:38:33,258 using his stardom to bring public awareness. 828 00:38:33,300 --> 00:38:36,888 - So besides his acting, Clooney has become very well known 829 00:38:36,930 --> 00:38:40,911 for his interest in promoting human rights 830 00:38:40,953 --> 00:38:43,998 and philanthropy across the world. 831 00:38:44,040 --> 00:38:47,028 And he's become a huge advocate for refugees 832 00:38:47,070 --> 00:38:49,488 and for LGBTQ rights. 833 00:38:49,530 --> 00:38:52,788 And we see him a lot of times really putting his money 834 00:38:52,830 --> 00:38:55,578 where his mouth is and being one of the people 835 00:38:55,620 --> 00:38:57,498 who really does step up. 836 00:38:57,540 --> 00:38:59,658 And alongside Amal Clooney, 837 00:38:59,700 --> 00:39:02,478 he established the Clooney Foundation for Justice, 838 00:39:02,520 --> 00:39:05,058 which focuses on promoting global justice 839 00:39:05,100 --> 00:39:10,038 and helping education about human rights violations, 840 00:39:10,080 --> 00:39:12,888 and really trying to actively change the world 841 00:39:12,930 --> 00:39:14,748 rather than just talking about it 842 00:39:14,790 --> 00:39:16,218 Right now, we've had it 843 00:39:16,260 --> 00:39:18,078 and we wanna get at least somebody in there 844 00:39:18,120 --> 00:39:21,408 to protect these people, so that if you've been lucky enough 845 00:39:21,450 --> 00:39:25,008 to survive rape and torture and murder 846 00:39:25,050 --> 00:39:27,078 and your family's burned to the ground, 847 00:39:27,120 --> 00:39:28,998 you should at least have the right to live. 848 00:39:29,040 --> 00:39:31,428 - The Clooney Foundation provides free legal support 849 00:39:31,470 --> 00:39:34,248 to victims of human rights abuses all over the world. 850 00:39:34,290 --> 00:39:36,318 And our aim is always the same, 851 00:39:36,360 --> 00:39:38,118 to protect the persecuted 852 00:39:38,160 --> 00:39:40,998 and to try to prosecute the perpetrators. 853 00:39:41,040 --> 00:39:44,208 Peace like war must be waged. 854 00:39:44,250 --> 00:39:46,968 So I think it's incredible 855 00:39:47,010 --> 00:39:50,205 how much he has been willing to do with his time 856 00:39:50,247 --> 00:39:55,008 and with his money outside of Hollywood, just in terms of 857 00:39:55,050 --> 00:39:57,018 making the world a better place for everyone, 858 00:39:57,060 --> 00:39:59,043 rather than just for actors. 859 00:40:00,900 --> 00:40:03,018 - [Narrator] After a few years of stepping back from acting, 860 00:40:03,060 --> 00:40:05,748 George Clooney made a highly anticipated return 861 00:40:05,790 --> 00:40:09,198 with "Ticket to Paradise", co-starring Julia Roberts. 862 00:40:09,240 --> 00:40:11,178 The film proved to be a box office hit, 863 00:40:11,220 --> 00:40:13,998 grossing $168 million worldwide 864 00:40:14,040 --> 00:40:16,368 and earning generally positive reviews. 865 00:40:16,410 --> 00:40:17,838 Audiences were thrilled to see 866 00:40:17,880 --> 00:40:20,208 the beloved stars reunite on screen, 867 00:40:20,250 --> 00:40:23,718 rekindling their onscreen magic and charm. 868 00:40:23,760 --> 00:40:24,551 The following year, 869 00:40:24,593 --> 00:40:26,328 George Clooney embraced the director's chair 870 00:40:26,370 --> 00:40:27,858 for "The Boys in the Boat", 871 00:40:27,900 --> 00:40:31,068 a captivating historical drama that vividly recounts 872 00:40:31,110 --> 00:40:34,848 the University of Washington's 1936 rowing team. 873 00:40:34,890 --> 00:40:37,488 Adapted from Daniel James Brown's bestselling book, 874 00:40:37,530 --> 00:40:40,128 the film chronicles the extraordinary journey 875 00:40:40,170 --> 00:40:42,318 of nine working class American youths 876 00:40:42,360 --> 00:40:43,968 who defied tremendous odds 877 00:40:44,010 --> 00:40:45,768 to compete in the Berlin Olympics. 878 00:40:45,810 --> 00:40:48,678 - What I knew was when I read it was, I loved the book 879 00:40:48,720 --> 00:40:50,058 and I knew in order to make it, 880 00:40:50,100 --> 00:40:52,548 it had to be an old fashioned movie. 881 00:40:52,590 --> 00:40:54,048 And I think that was sort of what you 882 00:40:54,090 --> 00:40:55,158 and I talked about yesterday. 883 00:40:55,200 --> 00:40:58,278 There's a vibe to this that says, you know, 884 00:40:58,320 --> 00:41:00,078 that reminds us of old fashioned movies. 885 00:41:00,120 --> 00:41:01,968 You were talking about sort of this male energy, 886 00:41:02,010 --> 00:41:03,948 it's kind of a war film in that sense. 887 00:41:03,990 --> 00:41:05,988 You know, the guys all have to spend time together 888 00:41:06,030 --> 00:41:08,658 like they've done before. 889 00:41:08,700 --> 00:41:13,158 There's less emotionality, there's less of the, 890 00:41:13,200 --> 00:41:15,768 you know, talking about your feelings 891 00:41:15,810 --> 00:41:17,313 and more about just doing it, 892 00:41:18,750 --> 00:41:20,988 which is all just a style of film making 893 00:41:21,030 --> 00:41:25,308 from really, basically before the '60s, 894 00:41:25,350 --> 00:41:26,388 you know, that kind of style. 895 00:41:26,430 --> 00:41:28,425 And we wanted to have to tell a film like that 896 00:41:28,467 --> 00:41:30,768 and had to keep your eye on and focus on the idea 897 00:41:30,810 --> 00:41:32,898 of picking yourself up by your bootstraps. 898 00:41:32,940 --> 00:41:34,398 [Narrator] Clooney's masterful direction 899 00:41:34,440 --> 00:41:37,818 breathes life into the socioeconomic hardships of the era 900 00:41:37,860 --> 00:41:39,588 and the intense physical 901 00:41:39,630 --> 00:41:42,258 and emotional demands of competitive rowing. 902 00:41:42,300 --> 00:41:44,238 With meticulous historical accuracy 903 00:41:44,280 --> 00:41:46,068 and dynamic cinematography, 904 00:41:46,110 --> 00:41:47,418 the film not only delivers 905 00:41:47,460 --> 00:41:48,678 an enthralling sports narrative, 906 00:41:48,720 --> 00:41:51,348 but also highlights the indomitable spirit 907 00:41:51,390 --> 00:41:53,748 of resilience and unity. 908 00:41:53,790 --> 00:41:55,968 Surprisingly, this mid-budget production 909 00:41:56,010 --> 00:41:57,978 has triumphed at the box office, 910 00:41:58,020 --> 00:42:00,468 grossing over $50 million domestically 911 00:42:00,510 --> 00:42:02,373 against a $40 million budget. 912 00:42:03,810 --> 00:42:06,258 Looking ahead, Clooney re-teamed with Brad Pitt 913 00:42:06,300 --> 00:42:09,048 for the 2024 thriller "Wolves". 914 00:42:09,090 --> 00:42:12,228 He's just making a film with John Watts, 915 00:42:12,270 --> 00:42:16,308 who directed the Spider-Man movies, with Brad Pitt, 916 00:42:16,350 --> 00:42:19,728 which will be a really kind of fun reunion, I hope. 917 00:42:19,770 --> 00:42:22,098 And they're both playing fixers 918 00:42:22,140 --> 00:42:23,898 who get pitted against each other. 919 00:42:23,940 --> 00:42:27,318 So it sounds like it's taking both Pitt 920 00:42:27,360 --> 00:42:29,868 and Clooney back to their action days. 921 00:42:29,910 --> 00:42:31,878 - [Narrator] This highly anticipated reunion 922 00:42:31,920 --> 00:42:35,688 marking their first onscreen collaboration since 2008, 923 00:42:35,730 --> 00:42:38,118 generated significant excitement, 924 00:42:38,160 --> 00:42:40,788 promising another captivating performance from Clooney 925 00:42:40,830 --> 00:42:43,923 as he continues to leave an indelible mark on Hollywood. 926 00:42:46,879 --> 00:42:50,462 (upbeat blues rock music) 927 00:42:55,830 --> 00:42:58,758 George Clooney is far more than just a handsome face. 928 00:42:58,800 --> 00:43:01,848 He is a truly talented actor and director 929 00:43:01,890 --> 00:43:03,378 who has cemented his place 930 00:43:03,420 --> 00:43:05,703 as one of the greatest actors of the century. 931 00:43:09,840 --> 00:43:11,358 Beyond his remarkable film career, 932 00:43:11,400 --> 00:43:13,818 Clooney is a dedicated philanthropist. 933 00:43:13,860 --> 00:43:15,648 Alongside his wife Amal, 934 00:43:15,690 --> 00:43:17,538 they founded their own charity 935 00:43:17,580 --> 00:43:21,048 aiming to affect global change and support minority groups. 936 00:43:21,090 --> 00:43:24,258 - I think that Clooney will be remembered as this man 937 00:43:24,300 --> 00:43:28,398 who was able to balance doing incredible work onscreen 938 00:43:28,440 --> 00:43:31,938 with arguably more important work offscreen. 939 00:43:31,980 --> 00:43:33,138 [Narrator] Clooney's passion for justice 940 00:43:33,180 --> 00:43:35,088 is evident in the roles he chooses 941 00:43:35,130 --> 00:43:36,618 and the films he directs. 942 00:43:36,660 --> 00:43:39,558 He consistently uses his art to voice important beliefs 943 00:43:39,600 --> 00:43:42,678 and advocate for causes close to his heart. 944 00:43:42,720 --> 00:43:44,388 Through his carefully selected projects, 945 00:43:44,430 --> 00:43:46,068 he showcases his values 946 00:43:46,110 --> 00:43:49,248 and seeks to inspire change, proving that his work is driven 947 00:43:49,290 --> 00:43:51,936 by more than just entertainment. 948 00:43:51,978 --> 00:43:55,728 (upbeat blues music continues) 949 00:43:55,770 --> 00:43:57,258 Despite having industry connections, 950 00:43:57,300 --> 00:44:00,558 Clooney's journey to stardom was paved with perseverance. 951 00:44:00,600 --> 00:44:04,518 Despite having relatives who were actors 952 00:44:04,560 --> 00:44:05,628 and kind of a father 953 00:44:05,670 --> 00:44:07,908 who was a little bit connected in the industry, 954 00:44:07,950 --> 00:44:12,950 he actually had to work quite hard to get his big break. 955 00:44:13,050 --> 00:44:14,898 - [Narrator] This journey highlights his determination 956 00:44:14,940 --> 00:44:17,568 and resilience, qualities that have contributed 957 00:44:17,610 --> 00:44:20,073 to his enduring success and influence. 958 00:44:21,240 --> 00:44:22,818 George Clooney's versatile career 959 00:44:22,860 --> 00:44:24,918 and unwavering commitment to philanthropy 960 00:44:24,960 --> 00:44:26,418 make him an influential figure 961 00:44:26,460 --> 00:44:28,518 both in Hollywood and beyond. 962 00:44:28,560 --> 00:44:31,488 His ability to blend talent, passion, and advocacy 963 00:44:31,530 --> 00:44:34,530 ensures that his legacy will endure for generations to come. 964 00:44:37,882 --> 00:44:41,382 (upbeat blues rock music)