More Proof That When Kubrick Died, Gilliam Moved to #1...

Rating: 9/10 (14 March 1999)

"12 Monkeys" is one of those films that only improves with repeat viewings, a dense story working on many levels that resonates long after the final frame. The final scenes of the film are absolutely haunting, largely because of what's come before -- entirely Gilliam's doing.
Think about it -- he manages to pull incredible performances from both Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt, using what might be considered their weaknesses as advantages. (Pitt not winning an Oscar for his turn as Jeffey Goines was a crime.) I've heard complaints about Willis being wooden in the film, and about Pitt over-acting. However, on seeing the film over and over, you realize that they were both on-target.
And, the key here is "over and over." From the first frame to the last, Gilliam is creating a coherent whole. Elements that may seem to have been thrown in just for strangeness' sake on first viewing are exactly on target the second time around. Even minor characters step into frame fully developed, to the extent that a line like, "I'm Jones. Insurance," is packed with meaning. On top of it all, and what makes this an even more impressive work, is that Gilliam was absolutely faithful to the script. (I've read the shooting script, and except for one short scene that was deleted, it's what showed up in theatres, word for word and shot for shot.)
You don't have to be a Bruce Willis or Brad Pitt fan to love this movie. All you have to do is give the story a chance, enjoy the style and realize that all the Gilliamisms on display are in service of the story, and not the other way around.
And that, in short, is the true measure of a great director -- which Gilliam is, was and always will be.