A look back at 12 Angry Men (1957)

There's absolutely nothing I can say about Sidney Lumet's '12 Angry Men' which hasn't already been said before but I must try, considering the fact that 60 years after its release this movie is now more relevant than ever. We live in an era where terms like 'classic' and 'masterpiece' are often used loosely, '12 Angry Men' is the very definition of a cinematic classic and a bona fide masterpiece. So let's not wait any further to review this classic movie.

Plot: 12 jurors from different economic backgrounds and different strata of the society are assigned the complex task of deciding the culpability of a teenage boy who has been accused of murdering his father. The juvenile defendant has a history of run-ins with the law and shares a troubled history with his abusive father. If the jurors return an unanimous verdict of guilty the defendant would be hanged, if the jurors decide there is reasonable doubt with the prosecution's case the defendant would be acquitted. If the jury is unable to reach an unanimous decision, then another jury would be convened to preside over the trial. Would the jury be able to set aside their personal differences and biases to ensure that justice is served? What will be the fate of the juvenile defendant? Watch '12 Angry Men' for all the answers, I assure you there is no better way to spend your leisure time.

Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb and E.G. Marshall going at it in 12 Angry Men  (Credits: letterboxd.com)

Why should you watch it?

• On the surface '12 Angry Men' is an old fashioned murder mystery where logic, deduction and intuition all play a role in deciding the fate of the defendant. Fans of the mystery genre should find this movie a riveting watch as the pendulum swings back and forth with each argument made for and against the defendant's case.

• At a macro level, '12 Angry Men' is an intricate social commentary. It brutally exposes how people remain inherently bigoted and prejudiced notwithstanding their position or status in the society. A majority of the jurors who are entrusted the responsibility of making an impartial judgement are either too set in their own ways or too subdued to look for the truth. They also nurture malice and preconception about anything or anyone who is different which the film highlights well to underscore the point that justice cannot be served unless people in power rise above their biases. 60 years on after it's release the movie's message of a non-partisan society still remains to be fulfilled. This imbalance is the root for the discord we see in the world today. 

• The mystery and moral conflict are elevated by a fantastic star cast led by Henry Fonda whose understated charm is ably supported by screen greats such as Lee J. Cobb, Jack Klugman, E.G. Marshall, Martin Balsam and Jack Warden. In particular Henry Fonda's verbal duels with Lee J. Cobb are a pleasure to watch. E.G. Marshall as the logical stock broker makes his mark with his icy observations. Jack Warden spices up the surroundings by switching sides faster than a Ping Pong ball. Both Jack Klugman and Martin Balsam add gravitas to the proceedings slipping effortlessly into their characters and making their presence felt when required.  

• Casting legendary thespians is one thing but giving them characters which fit like a glove is a whole new level of challenge altogether.  '12 Angry Men' gets its casting right by installing its performers in naturally obverse roles such as those of an analytical stock broker, a righteous architect, an uncaring sports obsessed salesman, a malleable advertising executive, a bigoted garage owner, a loud mouthed and perennially combustible business man, an observant senior, an affable high school football coach, a man from the slums, a meek but firm bank worker, an idealistic watchmaker and a tough but kindhearted house painter. There is no love lost here, as the jurors form instant fronts to push their version of the truth. 

• Very few movies strike a balance between idealism and realism. It's very easy to make a movie where everyone changes for the better and good wins. It's very difficult on the other hand to conceptualize one where the idealism of the objective is juxtaposed with the limitations of the reality. Not everyone of the jurors is interested in striving for justice and not everyone changes by the end of the movie but justice is still served through the efforts of a few good men. The movie demonstrates that idealistic goals can only be achieved with realistic people who are willing to go beyond the call of the duty. 

So there you go my friends a cinematic triumph with hardly a kink in its armor. Lee J. Cobb, Jack Klugman, E.G. Marshall, Martin Balsam, Jack Warden and Robert Webber all in one movie, they don't make actors like that anymore.There are not many films which you can praise for being perfect and not too many of those movies are a repeat watch, '12 Angry men' is both. Over the years many versions of '12 Angry Men' have been produced but this version of Reginald Rose' teleplay remains the best. '12 Angry Men' is also one of Henry Fonda's best movies. That's saying a lot considering the thespian's long and storied career. There is something magical about this version which allows me to find something new every time I watch it. What are your thoughts? Do watch '12 Angry Men' and leave a comment.

Until Next Time,

Your Movie Buff,

J.J. Chaitanya