The success of 12 Angry Men (1957) is largely due to the fact that they kept it simple. And indeed, under Sidney Lumet's masterful direction, it is a masterpiece of simplicity. Only using four difference sets, with 90% of the film lingering in one room, the crisp dialogue and talented actors carry the film seamlessly.
An eighteen year old boy has been accused of killing his abusive father. The testimony has been given, and now it's up to the twelve jurors to decide his fate... send him to the electric chair or set him free. Upon first vote, only one man (Henry Fonda) bravely chooses "not guilty." The other jurors are aggravated, thinking it's a clean-cut case, and are eager to go home...
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| 12 Angry Men. 1957: Henry Fonda |
Henry Fonda says he is not sure of the boy's innocence, but feels it necessary to take a second look at the case before sending him to his execution. As they re-examine the facts, they notice little tidbits that went unobserved during the trial, and give pause for thought...
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| 12 Angry Men. 1957: Henry Fonda |
and leave room for doubt...
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| 12 Angry Men. 1957: Henry Fonda |
Through tense communication, the jurors own emotional ties, anger and prejudices are revealed, giving further credence to Fonda's initial doubt...
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| 12 Angry Men. 1957 |
One by one, the juror's take the case in for what it is, and work to deliver an unbiased verdict...
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| 12 Angry Men. 1957: Henry Fonda |
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| 12 Angry Men. 1957: Henry Fonda |
