|
Popcorn Reviews
With Cybèle: Twelve Angry Men
By Cybèle Elaine Werts
CybeleW@aol.com
First published in the Shelburne
News, Shelburne Vermont
Popcorn Kernel Rating: 3 Kernels - gripping
performances from an ensemble cast of solid actors make this
film a solid rental, but it’s definitely a character driven
drama. Don’t expect romance, comedy, or action here.
This humid drama drew me in even before the
opening credits hit the screen. The low key title finally
appeared and disappeared in a moment over the closing sequence
of a courtroom trial. The jury exits and begins the nearly real
time experience of coming to a verdict against a young man
accused of murdering his father. The group is a motley crew of
race, class, and emotional maturity, causing a clash of
personalities whose passionate moments keep the pacing fast and
sweaty.
The director’s greatest challenge must have
been not the acting, but rather keeping a drama moving when the
entirety of the movie is in one room. Unlike My Dinner With
Andre which had the same challenge, this movie engaged me
throughout. This timely remake stands on character development,
not stars or even its own inherent drama. While not completely
stereotype free, these experienced actors created men of
intelligence and humility. I was particularly impressed with the
Spanish watchmaker played by Edward James Olmos, whose quiet
confidence and thoughtfulness were a noticeable counterpoint to
an excess of excitability. Hume Cronyn also brought a delicate
and deeply sensitive older man to life with particular
gentility.
I admit that I do wonder if groups of men
generally bicker quite so much without women to impress, not to
mention that not all twelve men were "angry," but
that’s just an aside. Between the masterful acting and top
notch cinematography, this film is well worth seeing.
Suggested Gustatorial Accompaniment: Soda
on ice. Just as watching Alive made me want to put on a warm
jacket, the emotional and physical heat of Twelve Angry Men made
me sweat in simpatico.
Copyright 2000
|
