12 Monkeys (1995)

Last updated:
September 23, 2024

Detailed Summary

The Mysterious Future and Cole’s Mission

In 2035, a catastrophic virus has decimated humanity, driving the few survivors to seek refuge underground. Authorities select James Cole, a prisoner, to travel back to 1996. His mission is to gather crucial details about the virus, which is suspected to be connected to a group called the “Army of the Twelve Monkeys.” The scientists hope that this information will aid in creating a cure for the deadly outbreak.

Cole’s First Time Travel Mishap

In 1990, Cole is accidentally transported back in time instead of arriving in 1996. Authorities arrest him and place him in a mental institution, where he encounters Dr. Kathryn Railly, a psychiatrist, and Jeffrey Goines, a patient with radical views on society. Cole attempts to explain his mission, but his discussions of time travel and a looming apocalypse lead the authorities to label him as delusional.

The Second Attempt and Meeting Jeffrey Goines

After being pulled back to 2035, Cole is sent to 1996. He kidnaps Dr. Railly and forces her to help him. Through their journey, Railly begins to question her skepticism as she notices details that align with Cole’s story. Cole reconnects with Goines, now the leader of an animal rights group. Goines talks about releasing viruses to cleanse the planet, leading Cole to believe he’s responsible for the outbreak.

The Revelation of the Army of the Twelve Monkeys

Cole and Railly discover that the “Army of the Twelve Monkeys” is not responsible for the virus but rather a prank organization led by Goines to free animals from zoos. The true architect of the virus is revealed to be Dr. Peters, a virologist working for Goines’ father, who plans to release the virus globally.

The Tragic Airport Finale

Cole suddenly realizes that the haunting memory from his childhood, where he saw a man shot at an airport, is actually a recollection of his own death. Determined to stop Dr. Peters at the airport in 1996, Cole makes one last attempt to prevent the release of the virus. In a heartbreaking turn of events, young Cole witnesses his older self being fatally shot by the police, powerless to stop Dr. Peters from escaping and dooming humanity.

Movie Ending

The film ends with Dr. Peters boarding a plane while carrying the virus. In a surprising twist, a scientist from Cole’s future sits next to Peters, suggesting that efforts to trace the virus in the future timeline are still active.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “12 Monkeys” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

“12 Monkeys” is a science fiction thriller that blends psychological drama with dystopian themes. The film stands out for its intricate narrative, especially its exploration of time travel, which deepens its examination of fate and free will. The combination of these elements offers a stimulating experience, challenging the audience’s views.

Cast

Bruce Willis as James Cole
Madeleine Stowe as Dr. Kathryn Railly
Brad Pitt as Jeffrey Goines
Christopher Plummer as Dr. Leland Goines
David Morse as Dr. Peters

Film Music and Composer

Paul Buckmaster composed the film’s score, crafting a hauntingly memorable main theme that effectively captures the movie’s dark and surreal tone. Moreover, his composition enhances the atmosphere, ensuring the music resonates with the film’s overall mood.

Filming Locations

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Many key scenes, including the mental institution, were filmed here.
Baltimore, Maryland: The team filmed the airport scenes here, which are vital to the film’s climax.
London, England: Some of the future dystopian scenes were filmed in the Battersea Power Station.

These locations add a gritty, industrial feel to the film, emphasizing its dystopian and chaotic atmosphere.

Awards and Nominations

Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Brad Pitt) and Best Costume Design.
Golden Globe Awards: Brad Pitt won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
Saturn Awards: Won Best Science Fiction Film and Best Supporting Actor (Brad Pitt).

Behind the Scenes Insights

Brad Pitt delivered an intense performance as Jeffrey Goines by depriving himself of cigarettes, to which he was heavily addicted at the time.
Director Terry Gilliam fostered a chaotic and disorienting style of filming to mirror the themes of madness and time distortion in the movie.
The crew shot the future scenes in actual, abandoned industrial sites to enhance the film’s bleak and grim atmosphere.

Inspirations and References

Source Material: The French short film “La Jetée” (1962), directed by Chris Marker, served as a loose inspiration for this film, as it delves into themes of time travel and memory.
Dystopian Sci-Fi: The film draws heavily from dystopian science fiction traditions, blending them with psychological drama.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Terry Gilliam, known for his meticulous planning, didn’t release any alternate endings or major deleted scenes. However, rumors suggest that he considered slight variations in the ending before ultimately choosing the final version.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While “12 Monkeys” is not directly based on a book, its inspiration, “La Jetée,” differs significantly in style and narrative, using still photographs to tell its story. The film expands on the original short’s concepts, adding layers of complexity and characters.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Cole’s First Time Travel Experience: When Cole arrives in 1990 and is institutionalized, he sparks a mix of confusion and fear.
The Animal Release: The Twelve Monkeys’ prank of releasing zoo animals, leading to a false assumption about their role in the virus outbreak.
The Airport Finale: The tragic and inevitable climax where Cole confronts Dr. Peters, only to realize he cannot change the future.

Iconic Quotes

“All I see are dead people.” – James Cole
“You’re all gonna die!” – Jeffrey Goines
“This is a place for crazy people. I’m not crazy!” – James Cole

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The film frequently references Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo,” particularly in the use of spiral imagery and themes of time and memory.
The recurring imagery of eyes and vision throughout the film symbolizes the theme of perception versus reality.
The red filter used in the future scenes contrasts with the cold, blue tones of the present, visually distinguishing the timelines.

Trivia

Terry Gilliam originally considered casting Nick Nolte as James Cole, but the role ultimately went to Bruce Willis.
Brad Pitt received coaching to accelerate his speech and enhance its unpredictability, contributing to his energetic portrayal.
The crew filmed the future scenes set in Philadelphia in real abandoned power plants and prisons, creating an authentic dystopian atmosphere.

Why Watch?

“12 Monkeys” offers a unique blend of mind-bending science fiction, thrilling suspense, and deep psychological drama. With stellar performances, particularly by Brad Pitt, and a narrative that challenges perceptions of time and fate, it’s a film that resonates long after the credits roll.