An intelligent and captivating science fiction film

Rating: Null/10 (13 January 2008)

After a virus wipes out no less than 5 billion members of the human race in 1996-1997 (just a year after the film was released, pessimistic much?), the remaining survivors are forced to take refuge underground, leaving animals to rule above ground level. The lead character James Cole, a convict, is sent back in time to 1996 to gather information on the virus for scientific study, but arrives six years early in 1990 and is put into a mental institution, at which point the plot becomes too complicated to easily sum up, which just makes it all the more surprising how effective this screenplay is.
"Twelve Monkeys" is a dream come true for science fiction fans. In a genre market over-saturated with space operas, borderline fantasy action films, and straight to DVD garbage, it is extremely rare that a compelling, challenging, and intelligent movie like "Twelve Monkeys" even gets made. What's even better than the fact that this got made is that it got top-notch treatment. The talent behind and in front of the camera is astonishing. Directed almost flawlessly by Terry Gilliam, the film is brilliantly-acted, shot, and scored. Standout performances include Bruce Willis in the lead and Brad Pitt in a manic performance that proves he is not just a mildly talented Hollywood star.
The film's rather complicated time travel plot is admirably handled in the script by David Webb Peoples (who also has to his credit Ridley Scott's 1982 science fiction classic "Blade Runner" and Clint Eastwood's 1992 revisionist Western "Unforgiven") and Janet Peoples. Cinematography and score among other technical elements are of a high order and help bring the screenplay to life. Perhaps the best aspect of the film is the outstanding production design. It happens so often that good ideas get shoddy execution in genre films, but here you have one which is so well-designed that on occasion the visuals are so fascinating you'll miss a crucial bit of information because you weren't listening properly.
"Twelve Monkeys" is a dense and difficult film and is certainly not simplistic popcorn entertainment, but this is a film that rewards careful analysis and multiple viewings more than most others. This is an intelligent and captivating science fiction film which is extraordinarily acted and comes together beautifully.
9/10