Twelve Monkeys

Inspired by Chris Marker's acclaimed 1962 short film, La Jetée, this labyrinthine sci-fi thriller was penned by the co-writer of Blade Runner, David Webb Peoples, and his wife, Janet. Yet it's very much the work of Monty Python alumnus Terry Gilliam, who imposes his own pseudo-poetic vision on to a world that is doomed to viral annihilation unless time traveller Bruce Willis can prevent the disaster. Although it was Brad Pitt who landed an Oscar nomination for his twitchy performance as the leader of the Army of the Twelve Monkeys, it is Willis's anguished introvert who holds this gripping, hauntingly atmospheric film together.

A bleak and confused conundrum, which often seems designed for no other purpose than to allow Willis to suffer stoically; despite its visual exuberance, the effect is deadening.