The Power of Critical Thought
MOVIE REVIEW OF ’12 ANGRY MEN’ (1957)
SUMMARY
This classic movie review is of ’12 Angry Men’ released in 1957. It’s an American independent legal drama directed by Sidney Lumet. It was adapted from a 1954 teleplay of the same name.
In a New York City murder trial, the defense has rested its case. The jury files into the jury room to decide if a young man is guilty or innocent of murdering his father.
What begins as an open-and-shut case of murder quickly becomes an exercise in critical thinking. It’s instigated by one man. His insistence that they look more closely at the evidence, frustrates the others to a pique.
He cautions the others that a man’s life is on the line. They should think things through more carefully and he essentially forces them to do just that.
It’s a revelation of each jurors’ prejudices and preconceptions about the trial, the accused, and each other.
Based on the play, all of the action takes place on the stage of the jury room.
MAIN CHARACTERS
Jack Klugman – Juror 5
Edward Binns – Juror 6
Jack Warden – Juror 7
Joseph Sweeney – Juror 9
Ed Begley – Juror 10
George Voskovec – Juror 11
Robert Webber – Juror 12
REVIEW
I found this movie to be compelling right from the start.
The scene begins with the jury leaving the courtroom and ends with a long, slow pan in on the 18 year old accused.
He looks to be under heavy stress knowing his fate is in the hands of these 12 jurors.
His appearance is that of an ethnic looking young man. I don’t believe they state which ethnicity exactly.
This fact though, becomes a critical arguing point during deliberation.
Next, we head into the jury room where most of the movie takes place, save for a few other rooms to break up the monotony. However, despite the static backdrop there is little monotony to be found here.
Henry Fonda plays the lead, however there are excellent performances in meaty supporting roles. The contributions from each actor are significant.
The 12 angry men are all quite different in personality if not so much in appearance. It was 1957 after all and few women or minorities were chosen for such positions as juror.
So, the actors are all white men which includes one immigrant of what I believe is Russian descent.
High Drama, Low Scenery
There is a complete plot and the suspense is high. You have to remind yourself that it happens almost entirely in one room and just with dialogue. No chase scenes, gun fire or girls in bikinis.
It’s remarkable what the writer accomplishes with just the dialogue and the power of critical thought.
It couldn’t have been possible without the full commitment and focus of each actor, though. They each bring their own flavor to the mix.
Henry Fonda is definitely the star, but blends nicely with the other men. Although the tallest in the group he doesn’t out shine them. That’s important to note too as the movie would not have worked as well if there was just one man who dominated the screen.
A True Ensemble
This story had to be told be each one of them.
Why? Because without all these different points of view we would not have a chance to see how minds are shaped, influenced and ultimately changed.
An added element of tension involves the fact that it’s the 1950s on a hot, humid day and no air conditioning. There is one fan on the wall – which doesn’t work.
The director uses this element to add drama by having ultra close up shots of sweating angry faces. You can feel the discomfort they’re in because of it.
I won’t spoil the ending for you, but it’s the journey it takes to get there that make ‘12 Angry Men’ a must see for me.
If you appreciate nuanced dialogue and the exploration of the critical thought process then this movie could be for you.
I would definitely recommend it to those who appreciate pre-1960 cinema.
Bonus for this Movie Review
**Best of all… I watched this for FREE on Tubi. There were no ads either.
They have a robust ‘Classic Movie’ section.
So, if you don’t already own TCM or Criterion, Tubi is a great choice. (I am not an affiliate)*
Thank you for reading this movie review about 12 Angry Men.
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