12 Monkeys (2006, HD DVD)

Just call me late to supper. Seldom do I catch a movie when released, and I had pretty much written this one off considering the reviews given. However, a recent bout with the flu and a Bruce Willis weekend on Showtime dropped this one in my lap. I'm not a big Willis fan, his shows all seem so predictable, kinda like Stallone or Jean-Claude.

Color me surprised on this twisted plot and convoluted characters in the guise of James Cole (Bruce Willis) and Jeffrey Goines (Brad Pitt [I'm not a Brad Pitt fan either, so imagine my quandary]) .

It takes a bit of concentration to follow this plot, mainly due, I believe, to the time travel sequences. Tying together the boy, James, then, to the man now, took me a minute or two, but the flashbacks and flash forwards added to the movie. I also enjoyed the various players showing up during all the different time sequences in James' life, giving it some continuity of sorts, albeit confusing.

As a well written and well directed character movie, you are given enough insight and background into each player to give them some flesh and meaning. Willis' character, James Cole, has the ability of a fantastic memory, so is given the capability to shoot forward in history and back in history to attempt to avoid a killer virus outbreak that destroys the world. Given the fact that no one believes his rambling, naturally, who would, he is often thrown into circumstances that become hazardous to his life.

Most importantly is his stint in the mental institution where he meets up with not only rich boy Jeffrey Goines, but also with his protector Dr. Kathryn Railly (Madeline Stowe), who he had known in a previous time/life when he was both man and child. Yeah, yeah, I know, it's confusing but trust me here.

As he joins forces with Dr. Railly, who finally believes his tirades, they come across Goines once again, who they both believe is the cause of the viral outbreak. Turns out Goines was actually insane and may or may not have anything to do with the virus at all, I'll let that be your decision, I'm not giving it away.

And, just for your information, the title 12 Monkeys has absolutely nothing to do with monkeys at all, but 12 slightly confused people that join forces to fight the evil animal-experimenting forces. They just liked that title for their group, I guess.

What makes this movie so interesting is the use of the different time sequences and the overlapping occurrences. I wasn't really taken with the time chamber or its inhabitants, I found that a bit bizarre. In fact, for what it was supposed to be, it looked a little outdated, but who am I to say. I've never time traveled. That I know of. Of course, I realize this was supposed to be in a future where there has been a great deal of destruction.

Acting by Willis and Pitt was phenomenal. Pitt had me twitching in my seat with all his gyrations and ranting. Didn't doubt for one minute that he was insane, not for one. Willis gave a good character study of the mind bordering that fine line between lunacy and reality. I was reminded an awful lot of Gibson in Conspiracy Theory.

I was definitely not disappointed with this release, the plot, action and acting were all well executed. There was just enough intrigue and suspense to keep you guessing, and a good guy and bad guy to root for and against.

Academy Award nominations went to Brad Pitt (Best Supporting Actor) and Julie Weiss (Best Costume Design), but they did not win. Also stars Christopher Plummer, David Morse, Frank Gorshin and Irma St. Paule. Written by David & Janet Peoples, inspired by La Jette, which was written by Chris Marker. Directed by Terry Gilliam. Good job.

Thanks,
Susi

p.s. The Oracle was sleeping this morning so I don't have a Kevin Bacon number for Irma St. Paule. Maybe later