Twelve Monkeys by Chris Marker, David and Janet Peoples - 8.7 out of 10

Twelve Monkeys by Chris Marker, David and Janet Peoples
8.7 out of 10


Twelve Monkeys has had rave reviews and enjoys an average score of 74 out of 100.

It has also been nominated for two Academy Awards, including for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Brad Pitt, who has won the Golden Globe in this category.

This cinephile is not a fan of Terry Gilliam and is therefore biased in judging this and other films directed by him.
Although I see Monty Python as the best comedy ensemble in history and The Life of Brian as maybe the best comedy ever, it is not because of Gilliam but somehow in spite of him.

Nonetheless, Twelve Monkeys is impressive.
Hard to follow at times, complicated, convoluted, but a dazzling spectacle in any case.

Brad Pitt is outstanding as the apparently crazy,  but maybe just psychotic Jeffrey Goines.
Madeline Stowe is formidable as the psychiatric Doctor who treats Jeffrey and is kidnapped by James Cole.

The latter is the hero and is played by Bruce Willis.
This is a complex, challenging main character.

Bruce Willis is mostly able to handle it, albeit there are scenes when he just seems to play it on one note and the wrong one at that.
I mean, yes, we understand that he is upset, being sent back in time, beaten, pushed around, drugged, and to the wrong time destination at that, but nuance, some other face than just the grumpy time traveler ready to capitulate would have been commendable, perhaps.

Anyway, those better able to judge this movie have been exuberant, mystified by it, so you better follow their advise and see it.