12 Angry Men (1957)

Last updated:
September 23, 2024

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

“12 Angry Men,” directed by Sidney Lumet, is a courtroom drama that takes place almost entirely in a jury deliberation room. The film follows 12 jurors as they deliberate the guilt or innocence of a young man accused of murdering his father. The story begins with the judge’s instructions to the jury: if they have reasonable doubt about the guilt of the defendant, they must acquit.

The Deliberation Begins

The jurors, identified only by their numbers, initially seem eager to quickly convict the defendant. However, Juror 8 (Henry Fonda) votes “not guilty” in the preliminary vote, prompting a discussion about the case. He is not convinced of the boy’s guilt and asks the others to discuss the evidence in more detail.

Examining the Evidence

Juror 8 meticulously reviews the evidence, pointing out inconsistencies and raising reasonable doubt. He questions the reliability of the witnesses, the uniqueness of the murder weapon, and the timeline of events. As the discussion progresses, he slowly convinces other jurors to reconsider their positions. Personal biases, prejudices, and preconceptions of each juror are revealed, influencing their initial decisions.

Turning Points

Key turning points include the revelation that one witness, an elderly man, couldn’t have moved quickly enough to see the defendant running away, and another witness, a woman who claimed to have seen the murder through the windows of a passing elevated train, may not have been wearing her glasses. The film builds tension as the jurors confront their own biases and come to terms with the gravity of their decision.

Movie Ending

The film ends with the jury reaching a unanimous verdict of “not guilty.” The young man is acquitted, and the jurors leave the courthouse, having learned about justice, empathy, and their own moral compasses. Juror 8 and Juror 9 (Joseph Sweeney) exchange names, revealing themselves as Davis and McCardle, respectively, before parting ways.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “12 Angry Men” does not have any post-credits scenes. The film concludes with the final decision and the jurors leaving the courthouse.

Type of Movie

“12 Angry Men” is a courtroom drama that explores themes of justice, prejudice, and moral responsibility. It is known for its intense character interactions and moral dilemmas.

Cast

Henry Fonda as Juror 8
Lee J. Cobb as Juror 3
Martin Balsam as Juror 1 (Foreman)
John Fiedler as Juror 2
E.G. Marshall as Juror 4
Jack Klugman as Juror 5
Edward Binns as Juror 6
Jack Warden as Juror 7
Joseph Sweeney as Juror 9
Ed Begley as Juror 10
George Voskovec as Juror 11
Robert Webber as Juror 12

Film Music and Composer

The film features a minimalistic score composed by Kenyon Hopkins. The music subtly underscores the tension and drama without overwhelming the dialogue-driven narrative.

Filming Locations

The film was shot primarily on a single set: a jury deliberation room. This setting emphasizes the claustrophobic and intense nature of the jury’s deliberations. The courthouse exteriors were filmed in New York City, adding to the authenticity of the urban setting.

Awards and Nominations

“12 Angry Men” received several awards and nominations, including:

Academy Award Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Sidney Lumet), Best Adapted Screenplay (Reginald Rose)
Golden Bear: Berlin International Film Festival (won)
BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Foreign Actor (Henry Fonda)

Behind the Scenes Insights

Interesting Incidents

Sidney Lumet conducted extensive rehearsals before filming to ensure the actors were comfortable with their roles and interactions.
The film was shot in a tight 21-day schedule, reflecting the intense and focused nature of the story.

Director and Actor Experiences

Henry Fonda, who also produced the film, played a significant role in getting the project off the ground. His dedication to the film’s message of justice and moral integrity was crucial to its production.
The actors’ commitment to their roles and the film’s limited setting created a palpable tension and authenticity in their performances.

Inspirations and References

The film is based on a teleplay written by Reginald Rose. It draws inspiration from real-life jury deliberations and the American justice system, highlighting the importance of reasonable doubt and moral responsibility.

Deleted Scenes and Alternate Endings

The film’s tight narrative left little room for deleted scenes or alternate endings. The story was designed to unfold in real-time, emphasizing the immediacy and pressure of the jury’s decision.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film closely follows Reginald Rose’s teleplay. The adaptation focuses on character interactions and dialogue, staying true to the original work’s themes and structure.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Initial Vote: The first vote, where Juror 8 is the sole “not guilty” vote, setting the stage for the film’s conflict.
Knife Demonstration: Juror 8’s demonstration that the murder weapon is not unique, challenging the prosecution’s evidence.
The Glasses Revelation: The realization that a key witness may not have seen the crime clearly without her glasses.

Iconic Quotes

“It’s very hard to keep personal prejudice out of a thing like this. And no matter where you run into it, prejudice obscures the truth.” – Juror 8
“Facts may be colored by the personalities of the people who present them.” – Juror 11
“We’re talking about somebody’s life here. We can’t decide in five minutes. Supposing we’re wrong?” – Juror 8

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The film’s cinematography gradually lowers the camera angle and uses tighter shots as the tension escalates, creating a sense of claustrophobia and intensity.
The weather changes from sunny to stormy, reflecting the building tension and conflict within the jury room.

Trivia

The film was not initially a box office success but gained critical acclaim and a strong following over time.
Henry Fonda was initially reluctant to take on the role but was persuaded by the strength of the script.

Why Watch?

“12 Angry Men” is a timeless exploration of justice, morality, and human behavior. Its compelling narrative, powerful performances, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-watch for anyone interested in the complexities of the human condition and the legal system.

Director’s Other Movies

Sidney Lumet is known for several acclaimed films, including:

Recommended Movies for Fans

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962): Another courtroom drama exploring themes of justice and racial prejudice.
A Few Good Men (1992): A military courtroom drama with intense performances and moral dilemmas.
The Verdict (1982): Directed by Sidney Lumet, focusing on a lawyer’s fight for justice in a challenging case.

“12 Angry Men” is a powerful and relevant film that dives deep into the dynamics of group decision-making and the importance of standing up for justice. It’s a classic in cinematic history, and its message and execution continue to resonate with audiences.

12 Angry Men (1957)