Spoilers for 12 Angry Men (1957)
Serpico. The Verdict. Murder on the Orient Express. Dog Day Afternoon. Now that's an impressive lineup of movies, all brought to life by one of my favourite directors: the visionary Sidney Lumet. However, there's an obvious omission here—a masterpiece with an unrivalled impact on film and our societal views. I'm talking about the thought-provoking, gripping, and meticulously crafted 12 Angry Men. The question is: Why does a film set entirely in a single room with a group of argumentative men continue to be so important? This is a good question. Â
Featuring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, and Martin Balsam, 12 Angry Men immerses us in the intense drama of a New York City jury tasked with deciding the fate of an 18-year-old Puerto Rican boy accused of a heinous crime—the murder of his own father. The odds are stacked against him from the start: He must be guilty! However, there's a surprising twist around the corner. Despite the jury's collective conviction, one juror remains unconvinced. It's up to this lone dissenter to persuade the others to open their eyes and challenge their biased assumptions.
From beginning to end, the film delves deep into the complexities of human nature. It presents a profound portrayal of American society, exploring the inner workings of the U.S. justice system and the profound impact of our personal experiences and prejudices on our thoughts and decisions.
So, why does 12 Angry Men carry such significance? I could highlight the gripping storyline, filled with drama and emotion. For me, though, Lumet's masterful cinematography and direction are responsible for elevating the narrative, giving it a poignant quality that stays long after the credits roll.
Lumet's cinematography is nothing short of ingenious. Despite the limitations of a confined set, he creates a world beyond expectation, utilising the characters' thoughts, emotions, and personalities to bring the room to life. The shots and camera movements may appear simple. Trust me, they are far from it. Lumet's tight framing exposes the suffocating atmosphere within the room, conveying the sense of being trapped alongside the jurors and intensifying the gravity of their exchanges. Close-ups and medium shots provide glimpses into their minds and emotions, with wide shots revealing the collective dynamics between the characters. When a character expresses prejudice or bias against the boy's background or origin, every wrinkle on their face is clear. Disagreements are highlighted through strategic shifts between characters or suggestive use of space.
Lumet harnesses the basics of cinematography, employing them to illuminate each character, their mindset, and the stakes of their case. It humanises them, going beyond their parts as characters on a screen. We recognise something in them, catching a glimpse into their personal experiences and how those shape their judgments. It becomes more than just a courtroom drama; it evolves into a deep character study. Lumet is subtle, and his techniques remain a hallmark of his craft.
A character study would be nothing without a top-notch cast and script though, and we certainly get treated! With such limited physical space, Lumet had to rely on an exceptional script, and screenwriter Reginald Rose delivers a unique blend of drama and realism. Each character possesses distinctive voices rooted in their backgrounds and experiences, adding layers to the conflicts and biases. What sets Rose's script apart, though, is its authenticity. The dialogue flows naturally and is conversational, adding depth to the characters and making them feel uniquely relatable.
Henry Fonda's performance is the standout here, bringing a captivating combination of calmness, rationality, and profound compassion to his character. He embodies integrity and a conviction that eludes the other jurors. Fonda's performance is a masterclass in nuanced acting, with subtle facial expressions and gestures helping to gradually persuade his fellow jurors, even against vehement prejudice. He's the film's conscience, reminding us of the importance of seeking truth and fairness. He serves as a cautionary figure, illustrating how personal experiences can lead us astray and divide us rather than unite us.
Now, let's explore one iconic scene that captures the essence of the film: the "these people" scene. As the heated deliberations continue and some jurors begin to align with Fonda's character, Juror No. 10, portrayed by Ed Begley, reaches boiling point. The xenophobic comments and biased remarks that have been building up finally erupt. Juror No. 10 launches into a fiery rant while the other jurors watch in silence, their expressions betraying no emotion. In a powerful long shot, one by one, they rise from their seats, turning their backs on him. At this moment, the magnitude of his prejudice dawns on him. He retreats to a corner of the room, isolated and defeated, while the rest move forward, united.
This scene exceeds its artistic brilliance, serving as the pivotal turning point in the film. It reveals the lengths some are willing to go to, and more importantly, it showcases how others will staunchly oppose and reject toxic beliefs. It emphasises that, despite our disagreements, there is room for civilised debate without succumbing to hate and bigotry. It stands as a powerful reminder, resonating as strongly today as ever.
12 Angry Men endures the test of time because it fearlessly explores the depths of human nature, delving into the roots of prejudice and bias while offering a timeless lesson on the power of individual conviction. Lumet's brilliant direction allows the film to transcend its confined setting, inviting us to witness the intricate dynamics and inner struggles of these characters. It reminds us of the enduring significance of seeking truth and fairness in an imperfect world, and also to challenge ourselves.Â
Director: Sydney Lumet
Writer: Reginald Rose
Starring: Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, Ed Begley