A deadly virus that wipes out 99% of the human population may seem a bit surreal at the moment, but ‘Monty Python’ alum Terry Gilliam found it perfect for the 1995 science-fiction thriller “12 Monkeys.” Based on the 1962 French short “La Jetée,” “12 Monkeys” is a typical ’90s style walkthrough with lackluster now, though revolutionary at the time effects, and a cast of big names that perform more like movie stars than actors, but in a good way.
The film has a dystopian quality, and Gilliam directs with a strong focus on the surroundings and atmosphere. We watch the beginning sequence and learn that it’s the year 2035, and the Earth we know has succumbed to ruin, with a small fragment of the population resorted to hiding out underground as wild animals run amok on the streets above. It’s a situation no one would believe (perhaps until the present plight of today.)
We follow the exploits of James Cole (Bruce Willis) as he carefully wanders the bleak and barren streets of Philadelphia in a hazmat suit, training for his upcoming mission. Cole will be sent back in time to 1996 – just before the outbreak of the virus – in effort to find the origin so that his present day people can find a cure.
There’s a definite “Terminator” like feel to the story as Cole, a convicted ruffian, is hoping to seek a full pardon for his crimes if he succeeds in his quest. And there was no larger name in Hollywood than Bruce Willis in the mid-90s, having already made a name for himself with “Die Hard.” Willis is a great choice for this type of movie. It never gets too serious despite the apocalyptic stakes, and Willis has the right combination of dreamy ruggedness and solid acting skills to play the part. The challenge Cole faces is knowing the deadly future, and trying in vain to explain it to those in the present.
1995 saw the emergence of another Hollywood king – Brad Pitt. Having just finished “Se7en,” Pitt would receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor with his performance here; that of a crazed zealot whom Cole first encounters in a dystopian mental hospital. “Wackos everywhere, plague of madness.” He explains with a devilish smile and twist of his eyes that make the heartthrob look like a total nut.
The breathtaking Madeleine Stowe completes the cast as psychiatrist Kathryn Railly. Stowe is great as Cole’s doctor and unintentional ally. She has starred in a multitude of ’90s movies but appears to have semi-retired in recent years. Dr. Railly has a feeling she knows Cole from somewhere or sometime in the past. This facet, coupled with Cole’s cryptic dreams leave the viewer at a constant wonder as they search for the ambiguous Army of the 12 Monkeys – a terrorist group believed to be the cause of the virus.
Gilliam also includes a host of ’90s righteousness, such as climate change, animal rights, and the typical stuff that makes the decade so great. Several characters, in altruist fashion, casually remark that humans should be the extinguished species. Christopher Plummer and David Morse play supporting roles.
The flaw with the film rests, ironically, in its length. It’s based off a short that’s 28 minutes long. This movie clocks in at 2:10 – which seems okay but the repetitive nature of the events and story leave you fidgeting in your seat with boredom by the time the final act rolls around.
Still – it’s a fun film that is there to be enjoyed. The story is one that’s been done many times, and hits home amidst the Covid-19 pandemic we are facing today.
