The film “12 Monkeys”
is science fiction horror disaster engagement. The movie was released in 1995.
The plot line was inspired by the French short film “La Jetee” released in
1962. This film is directed by Terry Gilliam, screenplay written by David and
Janet Peoples, starring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, Brad Pitt and
Christopher Plummer. The depiction of the world in 2035 is that which is
devastated by disease, forcing humans to live underground. Convict James Cole,
played by Bruce Willis “volunteers” for time travel to gather relevant
information in exchange for release from prison. Upon his arrival in the past,
the year of 1990, he is arrested and institutionalized in a psychiatric
hospital. In that hospital, he meets Dr. Kathryn Railly, played by Madeleine
Stowe, a psychiatrist, and Jeffrey Goines, played by Brad Pitt, the insane son
of a world renowned virologist. The film was shot and set mostly in
Philadelphia and Baltimore.
When released, the film
received critical praise worldwide. This film was nominated for one Academy
Award, Best Supporting Actor by Brad Pitt. The outstanding and incredibly
believable performance by Brad Pitt is his finest by far. The premise for “12
Monkey” is “5 billion people will die from a deadly virus in 1997. . . . The
survivors will abandon the face of the planet. Once again the animals will rule
the world.”
James Cole is a
convicted criminal in a grim post apocalyptic future. One of Cole’s most
enduring traits is his love for twentieth century music, most notably Fats
Domino. Around 1996, the atmosphere of earth was contaminated by a virus. The
virus was so deadly it forced the population underground. In order to earn a
pardon, Cole must allow scientist to transport him into the past to collect
information regarding the virus. The virus was thought to be released by a
terrorist organization known as the Twelve Monkeys. The mission is to obtain a
vial of the original virus in hopes of making a cure. Cole is disturbed by
recurring dreams involving a chase and shooting in an airport.
Originally, Terry
Gilliam wanted Nick Nolte to play James Cole, and Jeff Bridges to play Jeffrey
Goines. However, Gilliam rethought his casting choice and selected Bruce Willis
because Willis evoked Cole’s characterization as being “somebody strong and
dangerous, but also vulnerable.”[1] The choice made by Gilliam to cast
Madeleine Stowe as Dr. Kathryn Railly was made because he was impressed by her
performance in “Blink.”[2] Madeleine has an “incredible ethereal beauty and
she’s incredibly intelligent,” both qualities which are necessary for her
part.[3] Initially, Gilliam refused to cast Brad Pitt as Jeffrey Goines, but
the casting director convinced him otherwise.[4] In Philadelphia, months before
filming, Pitt spent weeks at Temple University's hospital, visiting and
studying the psychiatric ward to prepare for his role.[5]
The premise of “12
Monkeys” is the subjective study of memories and their effects on perceptions
of reality. Examples of false memories include, Cole's recollection of the
airport shooting, altered each time he has a dream, a “mentally divergent” man
at the asylum who has false memories, and Railly telling Cole “I remember you
like this.”
Cinematic allusions
are scattered throughout the film, including the Woody Woodpecker "Time
Tunnel" cartoon, The Marx Brothers movie Monkey Business on TV in the
asylum, and the subplots of monkeys, including drug testing, news stories and
animal right issues. The film is a study of modern civilization's declining
efforts to communicate with each other due to the interference of technology.
“12 Monkeys” warn of
an apocalyptic termination of history. The man versus nature is the theme. The
wilds of humans dramatized through historical forces that cannot be eluded,
technology, social stratification, and production of reasoning abilities. The
characters are inextricably wired into the framework of the matter in which
they inhabit.
Work Cited
Twelve Monkeys, dir.
Terry Gilliam, MCA/Universal, 1995.
Alaimo, S.
“Endangered humans?: wired bodies and the human wilds in Carnosaur, Carnosaur
2, and 12 monkeys” Camera Obscura no. 40/41 (May 1997) p. 226-43 .
Kakoudaki, Despina.
“Spectacles of History: Race Relations, Melodrama, and the Science
Fiction/Disaster Film.” Camera Obscura. no. 50 (2002) p. 108-53 .
[1] DVD production
note.
[2] DVD production
note.
[3] DVD production
note.
[4] Ian Christie;
Terry Gilliam (1999). Gilliam on Gilliam. London: Faber and Faber. pp. 220-225.
ISBN 0-571-20280-2.
[5] DVD production
note.
[6] Terry Gilliam,
Charles Roven, DVD audio commentary, 1998, Universal Home Video.
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