Review of Twelve Monkeys (1995) by Aaron J — 23 Jun 2018

Reviewed 11.25.18 Terry Gilliam, hodge-podge or visionary director depending on the critic, delivers perhaps his most cohesive film. Besides an ending that should have been cut one scene short, the misdirects are well-placed. They leave the viewer a bit disjointed, but that's obviously the intended effect. Both to mimic the emotional state of James Cole (Bruce Willis), and to successfully disguise the rabbit in hand.

The pieces are right in front of you, yet the resolution is still a surprise, and a well-earned one at that. And even with characters that are devoid of functional human connections, the finale manages a deeply sentimental resolution to the love story. It is quite the balancing act, and Gilliam delivers a true original. Like it or not, you won't question that it's different.

For me, this was the movie that showed Brad Pitt had true acting chops. No long flowing hair machismo in this one. He let his freak flag fly, and an all-time great career took flight. The Academy took notice too, with his first nomination.

The film's combination of off-kilter humor and sci-fi noir make for interesting bedfellows. It captures a legendary director at his best, a Hollywood star at his peak, and another launching his eclectic path. Edgy humor, a quirky love story, a weird vibe...oh the 90's.