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Twelve Monkeys Stars: Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt and Madeleine Stowe Director: Terry Gilliam BBFC Certificate: 15 Opened: Winter 1995 Running Time: 129 mins |
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Many years ago, a 25-minute French short, named La Jetée did the rounds on the arthouse circuit. The film's basic premise of a man being sent back in time to prevent a terrible future was lifted by James Cameron for his superb The Terminator in 1984, and has now been called upon again for Terry Gilliam's latest Hollywood feature. It comes as no surprise that it is excellent, easily surpassing Cameron's vision to become one of the greatest films of the decade.
The year is 1997. In the previous year, a virus spread from Philadelphia, wiping out 99 percent of the human race, and forcing the few survivors into an underground, prison-esque hellhole. Bruce Willis plays James Cole, our bald-headed hero, a man who is 'volunteered' to go above ground, and subsequently through time, with a view to researching the virus. The only clues that he has to aid him in his quest are a smattering of information about the mysterious Army of the 12 Monkeys, and a strange, violent, recurring dream, which becomes more detailed and familiar throughout the film until its shattering climax. Willis is aided throughout his quest by a female psychiatrist, played by Madeleine Stowe, who has a vague recollection of Cole, and is the only one who will support Cole against the various authorities. As she gradually convinces Cole that he is insane, she slowly realises that his story may well be true. Brad Pitt turns in a wonderful performance as an eccentric lunatic, Jeffrey Goines, a mysterious character who may or may not be responsible for the disease. The plot is complicated but superbly held together by Terry Gilliam, whose vision of the future is both dark and brilliant. The screenplay may seem to bend the rules of previous cinematic time travel, but this is one of the film's many strengths. It avoids nearly every possible cliché during the twist-ridden plot, en route to the awe-inspiring end. Bruce Willis is a revelation, trading in his trademark sneer and wisecracks for a wonderfully multi-layered performance, and it is he that should have gained an Oscar nomination for this film, not (the still superb) Pitt. Not the kind of film that you can relax in front of, and definitely one that should be seen in the cinema, this is a highly rewarding film. A second viewing will almost certainly be necessary, but that is not a drawback at all. Nothing short of wonderful Reviewed by: Tom Whitaker
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