Review of 12 Angry Men (1957) by Daniel K — 04 Jan 2012

4: If one were to explain America in one film and only one film this would probably be the one I'd pick. It simultaneously shows the absolute best and the absolute worst humanity and our country has to offer.

A microcosm of society (1950s Hollywood style of course). Fonda and Cobb are spectacular, as are the rest of the jury. This is a masterpiece plain and simple. Not a single note rings untrue. At once inspiring and troubling.

Obviously a classic film in every sense of the word. It's such a simple, but such an effective concept. One of the more incredible aspects of the film is that after it has concluded and I am thinking back on it I sometimes think I saw the murder take place and am intimately familiar with the elevated train, the old man witness, the middle-aged woman witness, etc, etc.

I didn't actually see any of these things on screen of course, but they are vividly present in my imagination. There aren't that many films that can accomplish this feat so effectively. I think just about every TV show that has anything to do with the legal system has had a "12 Angry Men" episode, although most, if not all, of them have men been more along the lines of 12 Angry Men/Women.

The story, casting, performances, script, etc are all incredible. I've seen this a number of times over the years and it shows no signs of becoming less relevant, potent, powerful, entertaining, and thought-provoking.

I bet it would be pretty interesting to see on the stage as well.