12 Angry Men is a hall-of-fame film. Its greatest strength is its renowned script. 12 Angry Men is the quintessential bottle film and still influential today. Because the plot is so contained, it is completely driven by sharp dialogue and precise character development. Meanwhile, small blocking choices (like someone standing up or taking a step) are magnified by the confined location. This might sound off-putting to some viewers, but 12 Angry Men is a masterclass in storytelling. Add in some of the best actors of that era (Fonda, Cobb, and Balsam) and we have a perfect storm. Almost no movie has done more with less.
Furthermore, 12 Angry Men is fundamental filmmaking. The intentional camera framing and movements deepen the production by subtly suggesting internal character struggles. The expert editing uses minimal cuts to build intimacy and increase potency. The limited music creates a realistic atmosphere. Lastly, the direction is excellent because every aspect is unified to construct an iconic experience. The delicate tone is consistent, the style is concretely mannered, and the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. All in all, 12 Angry Men is a must see for every cinephile and anyone interested in skillful entertainment.
Writing: 10/10
Direction: 10/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Acting: 10/10
Editing: 10/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
Production Design: 9/10
Casting: 10/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 9.2/10
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