review by Adam Cook Patron
12 Angry Men 1957
Reviewed May 13, 2012
Adam Cook’s review:
12 reasons why 12 Angry Men is the best film of the 1950s:
1. It’s a high concept film that delivers beyond the unique hook to create compelling and flawed human characters.
2. The performances are sensational from Henry Fonda (empathetic and unwavering) attempting to change the minds of the other jurors, to the rest of the cast led by Lee J. Cobb. Considering it has such a sizeable main cast it is amazing how well developed each and everyone of them is with the lean script giving each of the perfectly cast actors a moment to shine.
3. It uses the claustrophobic single location to great effect, accentuating the sweltering heat and tense atmosphere amongst the conflicted men.
4. You never see the defendant. It is an interesting choice that removes the audience’s prejudices from affecting how they view the film.
5. It’s a constantly twisting plot that keeps you glued to the edge of your seat and even attempts to challenge your own morals beliefs and prejudices.
6. But it still delivers a triumphant feel-good finale unlike any other film.
7. The film is chock-full of amazing and quotable dialogue.
8. 12 Angry Men manages to be both an indictment of the American judicial system and racial inequality and the system’s greatest advocate.
9. It is deceptively simple yet expertly crafted with a tight script, meticulous direction and career best performances.
10. It is a film for even those who ‘don’t do’ old movies. A genuinely universal film that will appeal to anybody.
11. Sidney Lumet never tries to show off his prowess as a director. Yet whilst it is unflashy it still remains very cinematic and, along with Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane, is arguably the greatest directorial debut in film history.
12. It is both timely and timeless, a rare feat in cinema.
The verdict is unanimous; 12 Angry Men is a bona fide masterpiece.
One of our lecturer thought this was a movie to watch to learn the art of communication or something. I still don't remember what she said but I will always be grateful to her for making us watch this. A true masterpiece.
LOL. It really is a masterpiece.
I could be wrong, but I'm almost positive you do see the defendant at the beginning of the film. Not that it matters.
You could be right. I guess I'll need to give it another re-watch.
You do see the defendant.
Damn. That will teach me to add a review for a film without rewatching beforehand.
Well his ethnicity is never stated right? They just call him one of "those people." I like that better that better than straight making him black for the on the nose criticism or singling out an ethnicity for no real reason
They never mention his ethnicity, they do however hire an actor with dark skin and have the camera focus on him for a little bit so that his features would be ingrained in our minds through the movie.