When a man enters a hospital claiming to have journeyed back in time from the year 2025 to stop a killer virus from exterminating mankind, a beautiful psychologist decides he might be more than delusional. Terry Gilliam populates this labyrinthine, apocalyptic film with twisted characters and eerie revelations. The film was .. Read more
| Starring | Madeline Stowe, Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, Christopher Plummer |
|---|---|
| Director | Terry Gilliam |
| Genres | Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Thriller |
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When a man enters a hospital claiming to have journeyed back in time from the year 2025 to stop a killer virus from exterminating mankind, a beautiful psychologist decides he might be more than delusional. Terry Gilliam populates this labyrinthine, apocalyptic film with twisted characters and eerie revelations. The film was shot primarily in Philadelphia; Gilliam uses the more dilapidated area of the city to the film's apocalyptic advantage. The film is based on the 1962 French short film LA JETEE. The Signature Laserdisc includes a feature on the film's making.
| Starring | Madeline Stowe, Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, Christopher Plummer, Frank Gorshin, John Seda, Lisa Gay Hamilton |
|---|---|
| Director | Terry Gilliam |
| Studio | UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK |
| Run time | DVD: 2 hrs 4 mins Blu-ray: 2 hrs 9 mins HD DVD: 1 hr 24 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Collections | 100 Top Thrillers |
| Genres | Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Thriller |
| Language | English |
| Hearing-impaired | English |
| Released | DVD: 20 Sep 1999 Blu-ray: 07 Sep 2009 HD DVD: 01 Jan 2008 Production year: 1995 |
| Format | DVD |
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.
Now this might not be everyone's cuppa. However it is original and well directed. The soundtrack effectively compliments the action and I was well impressed with all involved. Be brave and enjoy.
Twelve monkeys is a film that will keep you thinking about it for days and days. The film has a good main cast who have roles that are not quite the norm. The film is about Bruce Willis being transported back in time to help in the fight to find a cure for a killer virus that has killed 99% of the world's population. In the first scenario, he gets caught by the police and meets Madeliene Stowe who is a psychiatrist, after being forced to go into a mental institution he meets Brad Pitt and this forms the basis of what happens next.
The story goes on and the acting by Brad Pitt as the insane son of a rich man in particular is exception, Bruce Willis acts well and Madeliene also puts in a solid performance. The direction and camera work as well as the story is all very well put together and covers some of the flaws in the futuristic sets which were rightly kept to a minimum. The only other flaws are with Madeliene's character in that how does she manage to work out the killer at the end and the love interest between her and Bruce Willis doesn't really fit with the feel of the story.
Nevertheless it keeps you hooked and the movie leaves a lasting impression on you of hope.
Brad Pitt has hinted he is ready to retire from making movies - because he thinks most Hollywood roles are geared towards younger actors. The 45 year old has been acting for over two decades and has enjoyed box office success in films like Thelma and Louise, Fight Club and Ocean's Eleven. He's also won several accolades during his 22-year long career, including the Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe for his turn in 1995's Twelve Monkeys. But Pitt is now ready to step away from the spotlight... Read more