12 Angry Men (1957)

Overview

• Director: Sydney Lumett (directorial debut)
• Screenplay: Adapted from Reginald Rose's teleplay
• Setting: Entirely within a single jury room
• Themes: Justice, prejudice, reasonable doubt
• Legacy: One of the greatest cinematic explorations of the American judicial process

Plot Summary

• Case: A teenage boy on trial for allegedly killing his father
• Verdict: Death penalty if found guilty
• Jury Deliberation: Begins with 11 jurors voting guilty, and 1 voting not guilty
• Juror 8: Played by Henry Fonda, insists on discussing the evidence thoroughly
• Outcome: Examination of evidence leads all jurors to vote 'not guilty'

Characters

• Juror 8 (Henry Fonda): Represents moral integrity and reason
• Juror 3 (Lee J. Cobb): Aggressive, driven by personal conflict
• Juror 4 (EG Marshall): Logical and unemotional
• Juror 5 (Jack Klugman): Provides insight into switchblade use
• Juror 10 (Ed Begley): Bigoted and prejudiced
• Other Notable Jurors:
  • Martin Balsam as the foreman
  • John Feedler as meek juror 2
  • Jack Warden as indifferent juror 7
  • Robert Weber as ad executive juror 12

Direction and Cinematography

• Director: Sydney Lumett masterfully uses camera angles to increase tension
• Camera Techniques: Starts with wide-angle lenses, progresses to tighter, more claustrophobic shots
• Cinematographer: Boris Kaufman, known for high contrast, shadow-rich visuals
• Sound Design: Minimal music; sounds like footsteps and chair shuffling enhance realism and tension

Production Details

• Budget: ~$340,000
• Shooting Schedule: Completed in 21 days
• Shooting Location: Single sound stage in NYC
• Pre-production Focus: Set design, camera angles, actor rehearsals

Reception and Legacy

• Initial Box Office: Modest, ~$1 million in US rentals
• Critical Acclaim: Nominated for 3 Academy Awards (Best Picture, Director, Adapted Screenplay)
• Long-term Success: Gained recognition over time through TV broadcasts and international screenings
• Cultural Impact: Frequently cited in legal and film studies; preserved in the US National Film Registry
• Availability: Available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, YouTube Movies, Criterion Collection

Themes and Analysis

• Justice and Prejudice: Explores the importance of reasonable doubt and confronting personal biases
• Character Dynamics: Represents different societal segments, highlighting biases and responsibilities
• Directorial Approach: Focus on dialogue and character over spectacle

Conclusion

• Timeless Relevance: Themes continue to resonate with modern audiences
• Impact: Influences on courtroom dramas and group dynamics in film and TV
• Inspiration: Inspired remakes, stage productions, and cultural references