A smart movie grips the viewer while it is on. But a powerful movie occupies one even after it is over. '12 Angry Men" is the latter category.
This 1957 classic is the brain child of actor Henry Fonda and writer Reginald Rose, who co-produced it and gave the break to Director Sidney Lumet - who went on to carve his own niche as a prolific Director of Psychodramas (Murder on the Orient Express, Dog Day Afternoon)
'12 Angry Men" was nominated for Best actor, Best Director and Best Adapted screenplay. No wonder, since it was a simple premise innovatively presented. The 100 minute drama takes place in real time, within a claustrophobic room wherein 12 men just keep talking. A recipe for monotony if there was ever one!
The story without spoiler -
The drama starts with the Judge instructing a 12 men jury to arrive at a unanimous decision on the murder of an old slum dweller; his teenaged delinquent son being the accused.
The drama starts with the Judge instructing a 12 men jury to arrive at a unanimous decision on the murder of an old slum dweller; his teenaged delinquent son being the accused.
The 12 jurors of different backgrounds, cultures and values are stuck for hours on a hot summer afternoon, after one of them raises a lonely voice of dissent against the 'guilty' verdict of his eleven colleagues.
What starts as a reluctant technical analysis of the murder sequence snow balls into a confrontation of personal values and prejudices.
The latter 60 minutes is a study of group behaviour and consensus building. On a higher plane '12 Angry Men' is also seen as a commentary on the jury system of dishing out justice.
What makes '12 Angry Men' different -
On technical level its clear character delineation with their idiosyncrasies rounded off and a taut script which never lets you relax.
On technical level its clear character delineation with their idiosyncrasies rounded off and a taut script which never lets you relax.
For me it was a textbook of cinematography, considering it was a Black & white movie when color has already become entrenched. One can’t help recalling Citizen Kane while viewing this movie.
The net take is '12 Angry Men' is a must see for anybody who appreciates the cinematic grammar enhancing an emotional drama. Its cinema at its best. And not one dull 'arty' moment, let me assure you.
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