This is one of those films I always stop to watch. To me its a perfect example of great acting on all parts. The best part of it all it takes place in one room and it never gets boring. Its also a perfect film for sociology.
Perhaps my favorite juror throughout is the broker. He's so damn cool and calm.
This is a fantastic film, and it makes you think about how our beliefs influence what we see as the truth. Fonda's character steadily makes his fellow jurors face the real truth, and themselves. It is also, like you said, a great set of performances from the cast.
For a really interesting double feature, try watching both this and "Rashomon" the same night.
One of my favorites. I've seen it dozens of times and own the DVD. Riveting.
A fantastic film...one of the best of all time in my book.
I like these combinations as double features:
12 ANGRY MEN and Mr. ROBERTS
12 ANGRY MEN and THE CAINE MUTINY
I have not seen it yet, but really want to. It looks very good and I wonder how good it can be for a movie that takes place in basically one room. I hope its good, because most classic movies I have been seeing have felt extremely overhyped (Psycho, Blade Runner, Silence of the Lambs).
Quote from: InformationGeek on February 19, 2011, 07:17:56 PM
I have not seen it yet, but really want to. It looks very good and I wonder how good it can be for a movie that takes place in basically one room. I hope its good, because most classic movies I have been seeing have felt extremely overhyped (Psycho, Blade Runner, Silence of the Lambs).
This is definitely in a different class than the three films you mention. However, if you do not like "12 Angry Men" when you see it, I suggest waiting about 10 years and then watching it again. As a younger man, I did not appreciate it as I do now.
Quote from: Andrew on February 19, 2011, 07:23:06 PM
Quote from: InformationGeek on February 19, 2011, 07:17:56 PM
I have not seen it yet, but really want to. It looks very good and I wonder how good it can be for a movie that takes place in basically one room. I hope its good, because most classic movies I have been seeing have felt extremely overhyped (Psycho, Blade Runner, Silence of the Lambs).
This is definitely in a different class than the three films you mention. However, if you do not like "12 Angry Men" when you see it, I suggest waiting about 10 years and then watching it again. As a younger man, I did not appreciate it as I do now.
And it merits specific mention for younger viewers that might be interested that this is a dialog heavy film, not 'action' driven at all. It's strength comes from what it makes you think about portrayed via VERY strong acting performances and excellent characterization.
It's sad to me that films of this caliber are getting lost on modern audiences as being perceived as being "boring" because there are no explosions, car crashes, sex or profanity-laden quips as the good buy bests the bad guy.
This also makes a great double feature with any of the following:
* ANATOMY OF A MURDER
* WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION
* JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG
Quote from: ulthar on February 19, 2011, 07:30:28 PM
It's sad to me that films of this caliber are getting lost on modern audiences as being perceived as being "boring" because there are no explosions, car crashes, sex or profanity-laden quips as the good buy bests the bad guy.
I agree. I want to expand my horizons on different films and watch films of higher class than the action stuff (even if those films are fun).
One of the best films ever made. I actually teared up I actually caught myself choking up-that dont happen.And it wasnt romantic!
I like, but not as much as Casablanca. :smile:
Quote from: Andrew on February 19, 2011, 01:40:08 PM
...For a really interesting double feature, try watching both this and "Rashomon" the same night.
I think
this would be an excellent double feature. Other suggestions are sort of ham handed. :smile:
12 ANGRY MEN is a great film, driven by great performances. It's a film about justice, and the subjectivity of truth.
RASHOMON is too.
There are some great match-ups with 12 Angry Men here. Another one might be Inherit the Wind.
Quote from: Hammock Rider on February 21, 2011, 12:12:52 PM
There are some great match-ups with 12 Angry Men here. Another one might be Inherit the Wind.
Okay, fair enough for the era, and considering the other suggestions. (BTW I started a thread here I think just about
FREDRIC MARCH's performance in
INHERIT THE WIND). But,
12 ANGRY MEN can only loosely be described as a "courtroom drama". We are only very briefly in the courtroom. It's a
jury room drama!! :buggedout: :smile:
Quote from: Allhallowsday on February 21, 2011, 09:49:26 PM
Quote from: Hammock Rider on February 21, 2011, 12:12:52 PM
There are some great match-ups with 12 Angry Men here. Another one might be Inherit the Wind.
Okay, fair enough for the era, and considering the other suggestions. (BTW I started a thread here I think just about FREDRIC MARCH's performance in INHERIT THE WIND). But, 12 ANGRY MEN can only loosely be described as a "courtroom drama". We are only very briefly in the courtroom. It's a jury room drama!! :buggedout: :smile:
True, but it has the same type of electrifying dialogue and "piecing together of a mystery" as some of the coutroom dramas mentioned here. Movies that can stay afloat on great dialogue and strong acting are a dying breed. Most of them end up being considered "art" films and therefore get a limited theatrical release and have unimpressive box office numbers. But I'd rather sit through 12 ANGRY MEN ten times in a row than sit through the next big budget blockbuster ten times in a row. I find something new every time I watch 12 ANGRY MEN and other movies that celebrate good dialogue.
Quote from: The Burgomaster on February 22, 2011, 02:44:35 PM
True, but it has the same type of electrifying dialogue and "piecing together of a mystery" as some of the coutroom dramas mentioned here. Movies that can stay afloat on great dialogue and strong acting are a dying breed. Most of them end up being considered "art" films and therefore get a limited theatrical release and have unimpressive box office numbers. But I'd rather sit through 12 ANGRY MEN ten times in a row than sit through the next big budget blockbuster ten times in a row. I find something new every time I watch 12 ANGRY MEN and other movies that celebrate good dialogue.
I have sat thru
12 ANGRY MEN "10 times" (prob'ly more) but I almost never see the big budget blockbuster... :thumbup: :smile:
I don't have much to say that hasn't already been said. Love the film. It is extremely rare that rate a film 5/5, and 12 Angry Men is one of those rarities. Not only do I give it a 5/5, but enthusiastically.
A wonderful film, but--apparently--when it was first released to theaters in 1957, it was considered a financial failure, even though the entire budget for the film was only $350,000. It probably should have been released on the art house circuit, where it could have built up an audience. Instead it immediately went into general release and--apparently--general audiences didn't know what to make of it, for they stayed away in droves.
This is actually the second film version of the story. The first being an episode of "Studio One," which was shown in 1954. Then some 40 years after the theatrical release of the film , it was remade again for television with Jack Lemmon in the role played by Henry Fonda in the film. I must say I haven't seen neither one, but I have heard that neither one live up to the theatrical film version.
One last piece of trivia. Of the twelve actors who portrayed the jurors in this film, the only one still living is Jack Klugman.
Quote from: BoyScoutKevin on February 22, 2011, 07:11:12 PM
A wonderful film, but--apparently--when it was first released to theaters in 1957, it was considered a financial failure, even though the entire budget for the film was only $350,000. It probably should have been released on the art house circuit, where it could have built up an audience. Instead it immediately went into general release and--apparently--general audiences didn't know what to make of it, for they stayed away in droves.
I think this is an excellent and important point. People in the old days wanted sh!t as much as they do today. People have not become less discerning, they just have more sh!t to choose from.
Quote from: BoyScoutKevin on February 22, 2011, 07:11:12 PM
...One last piece of trivia. Of the twelve actors who portrayed the jurors in this film, the only one still living is Jack Klugman.
:bluesad: I love
JACK KLUGMAN.
Great comments,
BoyScoutKevin. :thumbup: