Dana and Tom with returning guest Kieran B (Host and Creator of the Best Picture Cast; @bestpicturecast on X, IG, Letterboxd) and new guest, Sara Shea (Host and Creator of Shea Cinema; @sheacinema on X, IG) revisit one of the defining legal drama in film, 12 Angry Men (1957): directed by Sidney Lumet, written by Reginald Rose, score by Kenyon Hopkins, cinematography by Boris Kaufman, starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, Jack Klugman, Jack Warden, and Robert Webber.
Plot Summary: "12 Angry Men" is a masterclass in cinematic storytelling, a film that transcends its simple setting to explore the complexities of human nature and the intricacies of the American justice system. Directed by Sidney Lumet, this 1957 classic features a powerhouse performance by Henry Fonda, leading an ensemble cast through a tense, emotionally charged jury deliberation.
The plot revolves around twelve jurors tasked with deciding the fate of a young man accused of murder. As the film unfolds almost entirely within the confines of a single jury room, the characters' personal biases, prejudices, and moral dilemmas come to the forefront. Fonda’s Juror 8 stands as the lone voice of doubt against an initial consensus of guilt, gradually dismantling the case piece by piece through logical reasoning and relentless questioning.
"12 Angry Men" remains a timeless reflection on justice, democracy, and the power of reasonable doubt. It’s a film that challenges viewers to look beyond the surface and question the assumptions that underpin their beliefs. This is not just a courtroom drama; it is an enduring examination of the moral and ethical struggles that define us all.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
03:38 The Dreaded New Guest Questions
12:36 Background for 12 Angry Men - Cast and Recognition
16:03 Relationship(s) to 12 Angry Men
24:51 What is 12 Angry Men About?
31:13 Is 12 Angry Men Too Idealistic or Naive?
36:54 Plot Summary
38:32 Did You Know?
39:56 First Break
40:37 Ask Dana Anything
50:57 Who Would You Want to Play You in the Movie of Your Life?
55:29 The Stanley Rubric
56:55 The Stanley Rubric - Legacy
01:05:00 The Stanley Rubric - Impact and Significance
01:18:27 The Stanley Rubric - Novelty
01:29:34 Second Break
01:39:09 In Memoriam
01:42:52 The Stanley Rubric - Classicness
01:48:26 The Stanley Rubric - Rewatchability
01:52:29 The Stanley Rubric - Audience Score/Final Score
01:54:07 Remaining Questions for 12 Angry Men
02:09:05 Thank You to Our Guests
02:12:56 Credits
You can now follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok (@gmoatpodcast) or find our Facebook page at Greatest Movie of All-Time Podcast.
For more on the original episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com/post/51-12-angry-men-1957
For more on the episode, go to: https://www.ronnyduncanstudios.com//post/12-angry-men-1957-revisit-ft-kieran-b-and-sara-shea
YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/QUBZ7hTZhB0
For the entire rankings list so far, go to:Full Graded List - Greatest Movies of All-Time
Ronny Duncan Studios
Keywords:
12 Angry Men, film, critical thinking, personal experiences, prejudices, decision-making, effective communication, versions, allegory, conversations, different perspectives, 12 Angry Men, legacy, impact, significance, industry, public, cast, director, director's career, Best Picture, box office performance, novelty, originality, excellence in execution, jury system, verdict, serving on a jury, experiences, fictional film, 'The Amazing Mrs. Bainbridge', guests' work