12 Monkeys

Rating: 10/10 (2 May 2010)

Terry Gilliam's pre-apocalyptic, post-apocalyptic, "12 Monkeys" embodies all the nuances that a political satire and science fiction film can possess. Its socio-economic undertones and outright rebellious nature compel the viewer to evaluate the film and its characters on a more dynamic level. Take for instance the film's subtle hints at societal standards and political correctness. Brad Pitt's character, Jeffrey Gomes, states that "there is no right or wrong only popular opinion," and if you don't "buy" into their ideas of capitalism etc. you're insane or crazy. The irony of this is that under normal circumstances had this issue been approached it would have been deemed interesting conversation. I believe that the inclusion of this particular dialogue was to attest the idea that individuals that do not subscribe to conformist or conventional thinking are considered inappropriate or "divergent". The term "divergent" is another reference to statements made by patients of the asylum where the main character James Cole, portrayed by Bruce Willis, is temporarily confined. It also makes light of militant groups and extremist action, which at the time the film was created wasn't as great a concern as say after the September 11 attacks. The film however can still be appreciated for its entertaining approach to time travel. Films like "The Time Machine" and The Terminator" were largely successful due in part to their ability to incorporate political or other satirical messages into a film that would appeal to various audiences and demographics. The similarities of "The Terminator" and "12 Monkeys" are substantial. They both involve transitions between the present and future, and both involve some type of disaster that befalls mankind. The responsibility of saving earth has been assigned to only a few individuals in each film, and the conclusions of both films remain unknown after all characters involved attempt to facilitate a resolution or correction to past events that effect future occurrences. Although, "12 Monkeys" involves something a bit more realistic like biological agents, and "The Terminator" incorporates machines, both films are related by the fundamental idea that our present actions will have negative consequences for our future. Subsequently "12 Monkeys" was a cinematic marvel intelligently executed with all the pizazz and intrigue one could expect from a suspenseful, psychological thriller. It utilizes elements of surprise, action/adventure, science fiction and even horror to some extent to portray a future that even by today's standards is still quite possible, and with a little imagination creates a world that you will inevitably be entranced in