Twelve Monkeys- Review

Mind-boggling, obscure and overwhelmingly creative, Twelve Monkeys takes the audience through the perspective of a time traveller and the connecting timeline between 1990 and 2035. Its themes of time, memory and advance technology are sure to bewilder viewers as they embark on such an unusual film journey.

Directed by Terry Gilliam, it features the talents of Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe and Brad Pitt.

I went into this film without a single clue as to what it was about, only with a faint idea of it's sci-fi genre. I believe it is better to be blissfully unaware of even the simplest idea of what films are about but for this film, I felt as though I had missed out on some important points that could have been gained from reading prior.

A time traveller whom keeps to himself and works only as a 'volunteer' to locate specimens to do with a deadly virus that aborted all humanity in circa 1996. Throughout this film, we are pulled between his beginnings and the normal daily life of the human race in 1990 and the post-apocalyptic torture known as 2035.

The performances in this film were brilliant but mostly kooky. Bruce Willis pulled off an excellent James Cole, who feels as though he is out of place amongst other people and dominates a 'lone-wolf' demeanour.

In a slightly scary contrasting role, Brad Pitt plays Jeffrey Goines, a mental patient with unhinged ideations and philosophies. Throughout the different timelines, he appears frequently with a new purpose each time. His role was definitely an uncomfortable one to watch but Brad's ability to capture a very mentally ill patient is beyond amazing.

As for Madeleine Stowe as psychiatrist Dr Katherine Railly, she captured the essence of blurred lines between patient and doctor relations. Having a character with a softer and more relaxed personality creates balance, particularly in this film, when surrounded by stronger and more abrupt personalities.

Twelve Monkeys is seen as a modern day classic, however I feel like I didn't get as much out of it as I was supposed to. With my lack of knowledge about the film mixed in with I was feeling after the viewing, I wasn't sure what to make of it. It's not a film for everyone and not everyone will understand it which I think is a shame, for me in any case. While those that have seen this film may get the point and purpose simply and straightforward, I am not one of those people. That doesn't take away the creativity however. I believe that the film is well constructed and definitely tells a powerful story.

Twelve Monkeys is a must watch film that leaves room for interpretation and leaves viewers with a lasting impression of our future, technological advancement and the importance of our cerebrum.

Score: 7/10.