Wednesday 14 October 2009

Films: 12 Angry Men (Empire Top 500 # 72)














12 Angry Men
Director: Sidney Lumet
Released: 1957
Popcorns: 5/5

A dissenting juror in a murder trial slowly manages to convince the others that the case is not as obviously clear as it seemed in court.

Me and Laura have been inspired by others to watch the top 500 Empire films and this was one of them.
This is the first time I've ever watched this film and I can quite safely say that it is one of the best films I've ever seen.

As this is filmed mostly in one room (the establishing court room shot and final exit shot of the character's being the exceptions) the script had to hold its own and it is fantastic.  It keeps you hooked throughout with its sharpness, wit and even very moving dialogue.
The tension between the actors is electric and each of the juror's has their own unique personality and reason for their decision on the trail.  It's perfectly acted and perfectly shot.

Doing a bit of research after the film, I was sadden, but not shocked, to read that all but one of the jurors had since passed away. The remaining one is Juror #5, played by Jack Klugman, who has been acting up until 2005.



All in all, this is an excellent film and should be in everyone's DVD collection.

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