All I knew going into it was that it was directed by Sidney Lumet, it starred Henry Fonda and that it was basically in one set with twelve guys talking. I knew Lumet had made a lot of films that have been widely celebrated despite himself as an individual never winning any Oscars. But his films have won multiple Academy Awards in other categories. The only Lumet films I had before seeing this were the brilliant Network and his last film Before The Devil Knows You're Dead.
You could have seen his entire back catalogue and still not be prepared for this film that I cannot believe was his directorial debut. Any film-maker would kill to open their account with something so powerful and dramatic and with one of the strongest casts you could possibly imagine.
The opening scene settles you in to what looks like a functional courtroom drama. But then as soon we get introduced to our 12 characters and get to know them, you can already feel something powerful is going to happen. The plot development is brooding every so slowly and then as soon as that first of many twists takes place, that level of shock just keeps you heavily engaged for the rest of the film and everything else just falls into place so beautifully and you are left leaving extremely satisfied.
The performances have so much heft and coming from so many makes it one of the best stellar casts the film industry has ever produced.
Henry Fonda carries this film so well like he always does as the central character and the chemistry he has with everyone else just brought all of their games up by several notches. Lee J. Cobb in particular I felt benefited from this the most with several scene-stealing moments especially towards the end. Jack Warden's comedic relief that gives the film its lighter moments, the sweetness of Joseph Sweeney's performance was great to see and the stubbornness of E.G. Marshall was a great addition were particular highlights. It is so strange to think that the 12 main characters are all now no longer with us, and I think this film shows all of them in their prime.
The camerawork is most definitely the under-rated part of this achievement. The way it is up close with our characters is quite striking that it is almost too close and you can really see the pressure in their eyes, their face and just intensifies everything.
I will say however, that there are some minor details that have not aged well. There are parts of the twists that feel too convenient and that could turn off those first time viewers who have probably seen similar tropes in films that were made long after this. Also, I think the level of enjoyment would go down in multiple viewing due to those moments.
That being said, this is still a highly impressive piece not just for its time, but still today. The story is a timeless one that can work in any time period and still be powerful viewing, every performance is strong or it at least plays its part and almost all the technical aspects are absolutely spot on.
While it might be just outside of my top 100 films of all-time list, it is certainly one of those films you must see before you die.
Rating: 9/10
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