I saw the remake years before I watched the original. The 1997 version of “12 Angry Men” was one of my earliest favorite films. I have since fallen in love with the 1957 classic – which landed #26 in my Top 100. It’s a great movie and ripe with critical analysis. While the 1997 version can’t touch the original, it’s a very good and viable remake.
The remake follows the script nearly to the letter.
It’s a courtroom drama that spends only a brief moment in the actual courtroom. What we get is a real time narration confined to a cramped and smoldering jury room as twelve strangers argue the fate of an accused murderer. The remake follows the script nearly to the letter.
It’s a cast driven story, and that’s where the differences lay. More contemporary actors are in place, with popular names like Jack Lemmon, George C. Scott, and Tony Danza to name a few. We get early performances from TV stars James Gandolfini and William Peterson. There are excellent character actors like Courtney B. Vance and Mykelti Williamson. One could go down the list of the twelve jurors from each film and compare them. There are strengths and weaknesses to each. All are terrific.
The biggest change is a facet I thoroughly enjoyed. The racial diversity of the cast which adds a more current exchange of prejudices. The element of poverty is again included. We also see the color barriers between black, brown, and white more emphasized. It doesn’t hinder the story by being too preachy. “Facts may be coated by the personalities of the people who present them.” One juror says. “Let’s not forget that.”
Ever since we’ve walked into this room, you’ve acted like a self-appointed public avenger!
The 1957 version flows more smoothly. Like the Reginald Rose play it was based off. This version, directed by Academy Award winner William Friedkin (“The Exorcist”) moves a touch slower and feels a bit more like a movie. There is less of a real time feel and some moments seem a bit too contrived to be natural. It’s 117 minutes – 21 minutes longer than the original and that is a weakness for sure. The stakes feel stronger when the clock is ticking faster.
It’s challenging to remake a film considered one of the best in history. The 1997 version of “12 Angry Men” offers a great effort. Both films should be viewed together for optimal enjoyment.
“12 Angry Men” is currently available to stream on YouTube
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