Rent Twelve Monkeys (1995)

THE (monkey) BUSINESS - Twelve Monkeys review by PT

In my opinion Gilliam's finest film. Superb cinematography give this film an almost dream like quality.

Willis is transported in time to solve the meaning of "the twelve monkeys" . Forced to do this, Willis is exceptional as the hacked off time traveller James Cole. On his action packed missions he meets a doctor who helps him in his quest, Stowe in a wonderful role as a converted believer. Another associate meeting comes in the form of Brad Pitt, whom he meets in a mental institution. Pitt brilliantly capturing the deranged Jeffrey.

Great script, acting and cinematography, gives the ingredients to one real tasty film.

Bruce Willis in time-travel adventure against the background of lethal pandemic - Twelve Monkeys review by Philip in Paradiso

The film is a science-fiction movie constructed around the concept of time travel, which combines with what is, in effect, a thriller as well as a low-key love story. This combination, in itself, makes the film interesting, all the more so as it is underpinned by excellent acting by Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe (whose beauty and charm reminded me of Rachel Weisz) and Brad Pitt.

The premise of the film is that a lethal virus, released in 1996, has wiped out 90% of humanity, forcing the survivors to live underground, in some kind of nightmarish, totalitarian retro-futuristic world. A radical and subversive group of activists known as the Army of the Twelve Monkeys is believed to be responsible for the intentional release of the virus. In 2035, James Cole (Bruce Willis), a prisoner held in an underground jail beneath Philadelphia, is selected by a group of officials and scientists to be sent back in time (into the past), so that he may find the original strain of the killer virus. The scientists (of 2035) expect this to help them develop a cure for the virus. In return, Cole is offered a reduced sentence.

The story develops from there, as Cole is sent back into the past, in a desperate, dangerous and surreal quest for the Army of the Twelve Monkeys. A suspension of disbelief is required for obvious reasons in the face of such as story, and yet, in our post-COVID world, the plot may not seem as far-fetched as it perhaps did when the film was made, in 1995. The movie develops in an interesting way, supported by the very good dialogues and excellent acting of the lead characters. Bruce Willis reveals himself to be, in fact, a very good actor, and Brad Pitt is impressive in the way he handles his part.

Overall, it is a riveting and remarkable film, well worth the praise it has received in many quarters. And a movie you will remember.

Gilliam Time Travel Fantasy - Twelve Monkeys review by GI

This is probably director Terry Gilliam's most accessible film although his trademarks are all there to be seen especially his use of ambiguity to construct a story that requires attention and results in a film of real intensity and imagination. Bruce Willis, in a superb and original performance, plays James Cole who is arrested in 1990 and sent to an asylum where he is treated by Dr Kathryn Railly (Madeleine Stowe), a renowned psychiatrist. Cole has delusions that he is from the future where most of humanity has been killed by a virus. He claims he is a convict and has volunteered to be sent back to discover the origin of the virus in the hope the information can be used to find a cure in the future. Obviously believing Cole is seriously mentally ill Kathryn is worried when Cole escapes from the hospital in strange circumstances. Then six years later he reappears and kidnaps her. With some excellent visual ideas of a steampunk future and a very clever plot this is one of those narratives where you are constantly questioning whether Cole is insane or is he telling the truth. Gilliam leads you in each direction several times and keeps you hooked throughout. The support cast that has a fantastic Brad Pitt as a fellow lunatic and Christopher Plummer as a top scientist adds to the appeal of this great film. It has mystery, thrills and a science fiction edge that is really engrossing. A very clever and intriguing film that is a definite one to try if you've never seen it.