12 Angry Men Review: Tension in a Single Room
9.5/10 — 12 Angry Men (1957)
Pros
- Razor-sharp script
- Terrific ensemble cast
- Masterful use of one location
Cons
- Limited diversity of its jury
- A little schematic
Twelve jurors are locked in a sweltering room to decide whether a teenager is guilty of murder. Eleven are ready to vote guilty; one, Henry Fonda’s Juror 8, isn’t so sure. Sidney Lumet shot almost the whole film in that one setting.
What works
Reginald Rose’s script is a lesson in building character through argument. Each juror reveals prejudices, fears and habits as the vote slowly turns, and the ensemble, including Lee J. Cobb and Ed Begley, is superb. Lumet gradually tightens his lenses and camera angles so the room feels smaller and the tension rises.
Where it falters
The characters are all white men of a certain generation, and some jurors are a touch too convenient as representatives of different biases.
Verdict
Gripping, intelligent and still relevant. A near-perfect piece of chamber drama.
