Director: Terry Gilliam
Starring: Brad Pitt, Bruce Willis and Christopher Plummer
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have lit a bright spark as powerfully as Brad Pitt. Ever since his rise to stardom in the 1990’s, Pitt has become a icon. Whether it’s detectives seeking to investigate murders, Formula 1 drivers or fight club owners, Pitt has played several strong characters. Arguably, Pitt’s strength as an actor has always been his commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has often had talent for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen-time. Even when he is not the main focus of a movie, Pitt has left an impression. Despite reaching age of retirement, Pitt has never lost his passion for making engaging entertainment. A movie-star with charisma, Pitt has been an icon in Cinema. Throughout his strong career, Pitt has made many bold movies that are definitely worth absolutely talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Pitt and adore all films he has made in his career. However, “Twelve Monkeys” is my favourite. Released back in 1995, Terry Gilliam’s movie offered a strong portrait of dystopian worlds. Packed with strong production, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best sci-fi films ever made. At the centre of it all is an exceptional performance by Brad Pitt, who embodies a mentally disturbed patient of a mental institution. Ultimately, what makes “Twelve Monkeys” a masterpiece is its bold appeal. Unlike most science fiction films, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. A mesmerizing sci-fi masterpiece, there are many reasons why “Twelve Monkeys” is worth watching.
Set in the year 2035, “Twelve Monkeys” tells the story of convict seeking to prevent virus infections causing adversity. Brad Pitt plays Jeffrey Goines, a mentally disturbed patient of an asylum. Jeffrey has always sought to escape his asylum believing he is there for no good reason. However, Jeffrey’s life soon changes when he becomes the victim of a virus disaster. Assisted by his companion James Cole (Bruce Willis), Jeffrey seeks to save a world from a virus that’s dangerous. As all odds are stacked against his favour, Jeffrey begins to wonder whether it’s truly possible to survive a dangerous virus that causes disaster.
Terry Gilliam has always been fascinated by the sci-fi genre. A terrific filmmaker, Gilliam has often produced engaging movies about dystopian worlds which face disaster. With “Twelve Monkeys”, however, he took on his first sci-fi satire. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture dystopian worlds which face catastrophe but he succeeded. Using stunning cinematography, Gilliam captures a convict embarking on a journey to find his real identity. Evoking Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner”, Gilliam successfully uses point of view shots to capture the tensions faced by dystopian police officers. For instance, the POV shots enhance the dystopian disaster scene. During this memorable scene, James faces tension when he discovers evidence of the dangerous virus. Through captivating POV shots, Gilliam captures a portrait of a convict that’s compelling. POV shots aren’t aimple to use in movies. As David Fincher’s “Se7en” suggested, POV shots often elevate serial killer films. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Using stunning visuals, Gilliam captures tensions which dystopian convicts are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Twelve Monkeys” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is well made. Evoking Robert Zemeckis’ “Back to the Future”, Gilliam successfully employs costumes to capture the tensions convicts which embark on time travel missions are enduring. Throughout the movie, Jeffrey’s costumes showcase his transformation into a mentally disturbed convict. Using strong costumes, Gilliam constructs a portrait of convicts that’s compelling. Moreover, the musical score is superb. Paul Buckmaster’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that convicts bear. Using captivating production, Gilliam constructs a world that’s despotism.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Twelve Monkeys” is a science fiction film that’s compelling. The film is extremely well written, an expertly uses silence to convey hardships that convicts experience. Evoking George Lucas’ “Star Wars”, Gilliam expertly uses silence to capture the tensions which dystopian convicts are facing. For instance, silence elevates the family reunion scene. During this unforgettable scene, Cole has an emotional reunion with his family after many years of separation. Through silence, Gilliam creates a portrait of mental health audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in movies. Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglorious Basterds” claimed silence elevates films about Nazi Germany. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through a spectacular screenplay, Gilliam captures a beloved sci-fi world today.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Brad Pitt delivers one of his best career preferences as Jeffrey. Pitt first earned appreciation for playing owners of fight clubs in psychological dramas. With “12 Monkeys”, however, Pitt took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a mentally disturbed patient of an asylum, but he succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, emotional and unforgettable in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and grief of a mental patient facing tension. It’s a strong performance from one of the most beloved actors working today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Brad Pitt, the supporting cast is also great and worthy of appreciation. Bruce Willis is brilliant, capturing the bravery of a convict seeking to survive in dystopian worlds that are a miss. Christopher Plummer is superb, capturing authoritative nature of a Doctor. Lastly, David Morse merits appreciation. As a doctor, he brings wisdom to the movie.
Finally, “Twelve Monkeys” would earn the appreciation of everyone for capturing the lives of mental patients facing adversities. Unlike most sci-fi films, it tackles powerful themes everyone would relate to. It tackles relatable themes including ambition, mental health and trauma which would absolutely resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with the sci-fi genre to enjoy it. Therefore, “Twelve Monkeys” is one of those rare science fiction films which everyone will adore.
Fans of Brad Pitt will absolutely appreciate “Twelve Monkeys” and so would audiences seeking enjoyable entertainment. A riveting science fiction classic, it honours an actor that’s iconic.
Nearly 30 years following the release of an iconic film about convicts seeking to fight a dangerous virus, it’s a phenomenal reminder of an actor that has always excelled playing courageous characters in memorable films that audiences have always considered to be extremely precious.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 