“12 Monkeys” is a science fiction film 1995 directed by Terry Gilliam and starring Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt and Madeleine Stowe. The film is based on the 1962 French short film “La Jetée” by Chris Marker.
The plot of the film revolves around James Cole (played by Bruce Willis), a prisoner who lives in the future, in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a deadly virus that killed most of the population. Cole is sent back in time to the year 1996 to gather information about a virus that has decimated humanity in the future. His job is to find the source of the virus and carry the information to the future so that it can be avoided.
In 1996, Cole meets Kathryn Railly (played by Madeleine Stowe), a doctor who studies the psychology of the mentally ill. Cole tries to convince Kathryn that he’s from the future and that the world will be destroyed by a deadly virus. He also meets Jeffrey Goines (played by Brad Pitt), a patient in a mental hospital who becomes an impromptu ally in his research.
Throughout the film, Cole desperately tries to find the source of the virus, but discovers the situation is more complex than he imagined. His research takes him to different eras, including the Middle Ages and the First World War.
“12 Monkeys” is a complex film that explores themes such as time travel, madness, reality and perception. The film was praised for its intricate storyline and visually striking style. It garnered numerous awards and nominations, including two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor (Brad Pitt) and Best Original Screenplay.
Plot
The plot of the movie ’12 Monkeys’ follows James Cole (Bruce Willis), a prisoner who lives in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a deadly virus that has killed most of the population. In the distant future, a team of scientists tries to find a cure for the virus and sends Cole back in time to 1996 to gather information about its origin and find a solution.
However, Cole’s time travel doesn’t quite go as planned and instead ends up in 1990, where he is committed to a mental hospital after saying he’s from the future. Here he meets Jeffrey Goines (Brad Pitt), an unstable but brilliant patient who provides him with some useful information to find the source of the virus.
When Cole finally arrives in 1996, he meets Kathryn Railly (Madeleine Stowe), a doctor who studies the psychology of the mentally ill. Cole tries to convince her that he’s from the future and that the world will be destroyed by a deadly virus. Meanwhile, he desperately tries to find the source of the virus, but the situation turns out to be more complicated than he imagined.
During his search, Cole meets several people, including members of a terrorist group called “12 Monkeys”, which appears to be involved in spreading the virus. Furthermore, the past and the future seem to be linked in mysterious ways, and Cole begins to experience hallucinations that take him to different eras, including the Middle Ages and the First World War.
Movie Characters
Here are some of the main characters from the movie “12 Monkeys”:
James Cole (played by Bruce Willis): The film’s protagonist, a prisoner sent to the past to gather information about the deadly virus that has decimated mankind.
Kathryn Railly (played by Madeleine Stowe): A doctor who studies the psychology of the mentally ill, who meets Cole in 1996 and becomes his ally in his research.
Jeffrey Goines (played by Brad Pitt): An unstable but brilliant patient at a mental hospital, who gives Cole some useful information about the source of the virus.
Dr. Peters (portrayed by David Morse): A scientist who works for the scientists of the future and who helps Cole in his time travel.
Leland Goines (portrayed by Christopher Plummer): Jeffrey Goines’ father and a prominent scientist working on the creation of biological weapons.
Jose (played by Jon Seda): A member of 12 Monkeys, a terrorist group that appears to be involved in spreading the virus.
J.D. Peoples (played by Joseph Melito): A child Cole meets in the future who becomes an important character in his quest.
Production
The film “12 Monkeys” was directed by Terry Gilliam and produced by Charles Roven and Robert Cavallo. The screenplay was written by David Webb Peoples and Janet Peoples.
Filming for the film took place in Philadelphia and surrounding areas, including Eastern State Penitentiary, a former prison that is now disused. The production also used locations in Baltimore and other parts of the United States.
The film’s budget was approximately $29 million and it grossed approximately $168 million worldwide. The film premiered at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival and received many positive reviews from critics. In addition, he was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Brad Pitt.
Distribution and Reception
The film “12 Monkeys” was released in theaters in the United States on December 27, 1995. In Europe and other parts of the world, it was released in the following months. The film was a major commercial success, grossing over $168 million worldwide.
The film received many positive reviews from critics, who praised Terry Gilliam’s direction, the performances of the lead actors and the complex and engaging storyline. In particular, Brad Pitt was highly praised for his portrayal of the character Jeffrey Goines. The film was also lauded for its cinematography and soundtrack, which includes songs from artists such as Tom Waits and Pink Floyd.
The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Brad Pitt. Additionally, it won several awards, including a Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film and a BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay.
In general, the film “12 Monkeys” is considered a classic of the science fiction genre by director Terry Gilliam.
Style
The style of the film “12 Monkeys” is typical of director Terry Gilliam, who is known for his creative use of special effects, visual imagination and complex storytelling. The film features dark and bleak photography, reflecting the post-apocalyptic atmosphere of the world in which the characters live.
Gilliam also makes creative use of flashbacks, time jumps and mind projections, creating a unique and immersive viewing experience for the viewer. Furthermore, the film also features an eclectic soundtrack, which includes songs by artists such as Tom Waits, Brian Eno and Pink Floyd.
The film deals with profound themes such as madness, death, freedom and personal responsibility, which are explored through a complex and intriguing storyline. Gilliam expertly combines elements of science fiction, thriller and psychological drama to create a uniquely immersive viewing experience.
Director
Terry Gilliam is the director of ’12 Monkeys’. Born November 22, 1940 in Minnesota, USA, Gilliam is known for his uniquely surreal style. Initially, he worked as an animator and designer for the satirical magazine “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” and helped create the graphics of the popular British TV show.
After leaving Monty Python, Gilliam began directing films, becoming known for his innovative and surreal vision, which often combined elements of fantasy and reality. His other successful films include 1985’s ‘Brazil’ and 1988’s ‘The Adventures of Baron Munchausen’.
Gilliam has also worked as a screenwriter, producer and actor in many of his films. His distinctive style and unique artistic vision have earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, making him one of the most influential directors in contemporary cinema.