12 Angry Men is a 1957 American legal drama film directed by Sidney Lumet, adapted from a 1954 teleplay of the same name by Reginald Rose. The film tells the story of a jury of 12 men as they deliberate the conviction or acquittal of a teenager charged with murder on the basis of reasonable doubt. Disagreement and conflict among them force the jurors to question their morals and values. The film stars Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Ed Begley, E. G. Marshall, and others.
The film received critical acclaim despite a lukewarm box office performance. At the 30th Academy Awards, it was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. Many regarded it as one of the greatest films ever made. They were selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
There was also a TV movie version of 12 Angry Men released in 1997, but it is not considered to be as excellent as the original film. Overall, 12 Angry Men is a classic film highly regarded for its storytelling, acting, and direction.
Plot
"12 Angry Men" is a 1957 American legal drama film that revolves around the fate of a 16-year-old boy accused of murdering his father. The twelve jurors, known only by their juror numbers, are tasked with determining the boy's guilt or innocence. If found guilty, the boy will face the death penalty. The plot unfolds as the jurors, initially leaning towards a guilty verdict, engage in deliberations that gradually reveal the complexities and uncertainties of the case. The film's narrative primarily focuses on the intense and dramatic jury deliberations as the jurors discuss and debate the evidence, testimony, and alibis presented during the trial, ultimately leading to a thought-provoking and powerful conclusion.
Cast
- Henry Fonda as Juror 8
- Lee J. Cobb as Juror 3
- Ed Begley as Juror 10
- E. G. Marshall as Juror 4
- Jack Warden as Juror 7
- Martin Balsam as Juror 1
- John Fiedler as Juror 2
- Jack Klugman as Juror 5
- Edward Binns as Juror 6
- Joseph Sweeney as Juror 9
- George Voskovec as Juror 11
- Robert Webber as Juror 12
Director: Sidney Lumet
Writer: Reginald Rose
Box Office Gross: $955
Distributor: United Artists
Release date: April 13, 1957
Theme
The main theme of 12 Angry Men is the importance of justice and the role of jurors in determining the fate of the accused. The film emphasizes the need for a fair and impartial trial, as well as the potential dangers of prejudice and groupthink in the decision-making process.
Reception
"2 Angry Men has been praised for its dramatic effectiveness and humanistic portrayal of the jurors' deliberations. The film has a perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics lauding its superb writing, powerful performances, and timeless storytelling.
Settings
The film is set in a courtroom, where the jurors deliberate the fate of a young boy accused of murder. The film's primary focus is on the jury room, where the jurors discuss and debate the evidence, testimony, and alibis presented during the trial.
Visual Styles
12 Angry Men features a simple yet powerful visual style, with minimal set changes and a focus on the jurors' reactions and deliberations. The film's black-and-white cinematography contributes to its classic and timeless appearance.
Techniques
The film utilizes a variety of techniques to create tension and drama, such as close-ups on the jurors' faces, dramatic lighting, and strategic use of sound. The editing is tight, with quick cuts between the jurors' discussions and the evidence presented, keeping the audience engaged throughout the film.
Trivia
- 12 Angry Men is based on a 1954 teleplay of the same name by Reginald Rose.
- The film was first produced for the stage in 1964, then adapted for television in 1997, and finally appeared on Broadway in 2004.
- The film was released in 1957 and has been praised for its dramatic effectiveness and humanistic portrayal of the jurors' deliberations.
Fun Facts
- The film's title comes from the fact that only one juror initially believes the boy is innocent, while the other 11 jurors lean towards a guilty verdict.
- The film showcases the importance of a fair and impartial trial, as well as the potential dangers of prejudice and groupthink in the decision-making process.
- 12 Angry Men has been featured on various platforms, such as Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV, making it accessible for modern audiences to appreciate its timeless storytelling and powerful performance.
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