A Film For All!

Rating: 7/10 (19 September 2010)

Inspired by the French short film 'La Jetée', '12 Monkeys', directed by Terry Gilliam, is a film that belongs to all. It gives birth to an idea, a virus, that will appeal to all. But the only problem is.... I don't know how many would really understand this one? I mostly did, and I must say... I enjoyed myself!
'12 Monkeys' is an epidemic call for us. Human-Kind is getting wiped out by a virus. The remaining left have gone nuts. Now add a Hero, a Heroine, supporting characters and a conniving villain. And here it is... you've successfully entered this mad-mad-mad world.
'12 Monkeys' begins with a BANG. The entire 1st hour, is amongst the best I've seen from the 90's. It's that good. But, the second hour plays a spoilsport. The goings get confusing, and the culmination is the weakest link. It may be damn new in terms of ending a story, but I somehow, couldn't grasp it.
Terry Gilliam's direction is first-class. The screenplay is generally superb, but gets confused mid-way. Music by Paul Buckmaster, is haunting. Roger Pratt's Camera-Work is worth a mention.
In the acting department, Bruce Willis is good. Brad Pitt is the show-stealer. The star-actor is superb in a role that is very difficult to execute. Madeleine Stowe is another topper. She's in terrific form. Christopher Plummer, as always, is perfect.
On the whole, this is some real weird/good/absurd stuff that has a lot going for it. Strongly recommended!