important landmark movie

Rating: 6/10 (7 June 2004)

This is the famous courtroom drama starring Henry Fonda, Martin Balsam and Lee J Cobb which takes place largely in the jury room where the twelve men are discussing the likelihood of the young outsider having killed his father. Of the dozen passing judgement, only Fonda has initial doubts, acting as the voice of conscience and coercion to change the minds of his fellow jurors.
The film is rightly famous for its tight structure, economical script, and claustrophobic acting. Perhaps Cobb's character is too extreme and more than a bit clichéd, but the types present around the table are well-drawn and convincing. Prejudices tumble out and coincidences jostle to turn the initial premise completely on its head. It is significant that on this hot day there are such a group of hotheads confined in one place.
A remake forty years later was of some interest but this is the superior piece of the two. A gripping play, done with economy.