*I do not own any images in this post, all credits are linked below*
If you have the ability to change someone’s life forever, to what lengths would you go? If you are the only person standing up for another, would you back down? Even if the majority of evidence seems to prove someone is guilty, what does that little sliver of doubt matter? Being in a situation where you are the only person speaking for a belief is never easy, but when it comes down to life or death, even more pressure is weighing heavy on you. What can doubt, even personal doubt, something that is not shared with any other person around you, do to change the outcome of a verdict? And what about the little voice that asks, what if you’re wrong? Would you risk your own reputation, even perhaps your life, to defend something that you can’t prove to be 100% true? How would you consider the background of the defendant if you don’t even know him? Would listening to your other jurors describe their reasons for voting the defendant guilty change anything, or are you so confident that you can persuade each and every one of them to see light?
This is the scene you arrive at in 12 Angry Men. Sidney Lumet’s 1957 film was adapted from a teleplay by Reginald Rose. The audience is thrown into tension within the first few moments of the movie and immediately has a verdict thrust upon them. The case of a fatal stabbing by a young man is played out for you. At first glance, and maybe even second, all the evidence points to the young man’s guilt. However, one bold voice speaks up, and he throws the entire jury into a deadlock. 11 votes come to guilty, but this man’s vote is not guilty. Everyone thinks he is crazy, everyone is annoyed to no end with him, but once you listen to him, he speaks with reason.
12 Angry Men stars Henry Fonda, Jack Klugman, and Lee J. Cobb. All the men in the film are incredibly convincing and play their roles phenomenally. This film is greatly unique in that it takes place almost completely in one room, shows 13 main characters, and has no special effects or incredulous camera shots. Yet it still remains to be one of the most moving and influential films to come out of the Golden Age.
The acting skills presented by Henry Fonda are truly moving. His character’s arguments make the audience pause and ponder. His petition to stop and consider the possibilities of innocence would make anyone examine the evidence twice.
Cobb’s character presents a compelling argument as well. With someone whose past influences his decision in the case brings a new emotion to the film. Behind a hard surface lies deep hurt, and the age and upbringing of the defendant create personal conflicts that no one sees until the very end.
Klugman brings another interesting view to the film. One of the first jurors to see Fonda’s side of things, his character represents understanding and reason. He also put forth a great point in evidence of the defendant’s innocence with his own experiences as well.
As the film goes on, you truly are unsure of what the outcome will be. The characters are so influential, and the cases they all present are thoroughly convincing. By the end, it is down to one man, just as it began. Will the jury find the defendant guilty, or have they been swayed to see his supposed innocence?
12 Angry Men is one of the greatest films to come out of the 50s. With little known actors, filming to occur in one room only, and yet have so much creativity, imagination, and persuasion to the story, it truly is remarkable. It would make anyone think twice about that shred of doubt, and take into consideration things that are not necessarily presented in the courtroom.
If you have any comments or questions, leave a comment below! If you've seen this film, let me know how you liked it, and if you haven't, go check it out!
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