How 12 ANGRY MEN breaks screenwriting rules

[@idioume1]

This channel is a gold mine sitting in a little corner of the web in wait of writers to stumble across it, while seeking to hone their understanding of craft! Thank you for the detailed, great analytical work, which remains clear and concise throughout. It breaks down the complex and makes it more accessible to all!

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks for the great comment, Issa. Please spread the word to your friends!

[@idioume1]

@@ScriptSleuth I have. To any writer friend whose work I edit, especially on dialogue, I direct them towards your videos. By the way, are you on any social media platforms? I will follow you there, if you are.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@idioume1 Thanks. Yup, just go to @scriptsleuth on FB, Twitter, and Instagram.

[@DetectiveTrupo203]

What high high praise, and well deserved as well. Excellent channel and excellent comment.

[@idioume1]

@@ScriptSleuth Well earned feedback. How are you?

[@AlonsoRules]

It is unbelievable that a film largely taking place in one room is 5th on the IMDB ratings list, 100% on RT and nearly perfect on Metacritic. A true testament to the writing and acting. Henry Fonda what a genius he was.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Yes, and let's not forget the screenwriter, Reginald Rose. Supposedly he took a lot of real-life conflict he witnessed while he served jury duty.

[@HistorywithHannibal]

@@ScriptSleuth woah, this is legally accurate too?

[@martykeaton182]

The remake is also a valuable one.

[@alexsalari2014]

It might sound weird but I was a bartender outside of Vegas for almost 12 years, and two of my favorite customers said this was their favorite movie of all time. I’m only 37 so obviously the customers were older then me but I’ve been saving this movie for a long time. Because I know I’m gonna love be it and I can’t pick a good time to watch it. For context for my age I love older movies because of my mom and dad, Lawrence of Arabia, Casablanca, 10 Commandments so almost anything with Charlton Heston or Peter O’Toole.

[@martykeaton182]

@@alexsalari2014 Newer ones are good, too.

[@HistorywithHannibal]

The actors in this movie were perfect, I literally can't imagine anyone else in their roles

[@mortalclown3812]

​@@roshnisadh721?

[@duncanholding7636]

I've seen it on stage 3 times with very well know actors and although the stage versions are good they don't come close to the acting in the film...

[@WyreForestBiker]

@@duncanholding7636 I've seen it twice on stage and agree ..nothing comes close to the original film ...

[@CesarGarcia-ru8hr]

I can imagine it in color

[@thomaschacko6320]

The 1997 remake for cable TV couldn’t come close to this one; despite the presence of actors like Jack Lemmon (Juror #8), George C Scott (#3), and Hume Cronyn (#9). Ossie Davis was wasted as #2. I understand the need to make the jury more diverse, but it didn’t increase the dramatic impact. And amazingly, it was directed by William Friedkin.

[@AnyahEMB]

Self- defeating arguments. Yes! I used to use this film in my writing classes to teach my students how to identify and avoid logical fallacies. Such a classic film.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Nice!

[@HistorywithHannibal]

I think this film should be used when teaching character orchestration, you can easily tell who each juror is, despite their character names being so similar

[@ScriptSleuth]

Exactly!

[@TeddyRumble]

And, none of them look alike.

[@woodsplitter3274]

I have to admit the actors jump out to me: Jack Klugman, EG Marshall, Henry Fonda, etc

[@FajrinMuriski]

who their name i dont even remember it

[@HistorywithHannibal]

@FajrinMuriski if you go to Wikipedia, you can see that they're all named by juror number

[@t.j.giroux5936]

My high school English teacher introduced our class to this masterpiece. It taught us all a lot about critical thinking, one of the greatest gifts a teacher can give to a student.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@t.j.giroux5936 Very cool. I wish our teachers were like that.

[@deantaylor846]

My high-school English class read it straight from the screenplay. I never actually saw it on film until years later. An impressive demonstration of how excellent characterization could distinguish twelve nameless, faceless men from each other.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@deantaylor846 Yes, sir! 🥰

[@deniseeulert2503]

That's how I first heard of it too!

[@LJ-wo1wf]

15:25 - the rant about "He was an old man! Half the time he was confused!..." and the camera tightened to show only that juror and the oldest man in the room.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Just genius all around!

[@erictaylor5462]

"He doesn't speak good English." Delivered with a Spanish accent is possibly one of the greatest lines in movie history.

[@tinbenada5781]

Actually, this actor was Jiří Voskovec, of czech descent, very famous and influential actor in pre-war Czechoslovakia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Voskovec

[@florinadrian5174]

Didn't he say "he don't speak good English"?

[@numbersix8919]

That was the bigot.

[@ArchStanton19966]

​@@florinadrian5174​Yes...then he was corrected. That's what the original comment is alluding to.​@florinadrian5174

[@no_rubbernecking]

​@@tinbenada5781 That's good to know. I always assumed that as a watchmaker, the character was likely Swiss and thus having an Italian accent.

[@Jeredos]

The hidden gem of KZbin's script channels.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Cheers, Jere!

[@MrSuperGeekster]

Holy crap! I didn't even notice Ive been binged a bunch of his videos and I assumed they were getting 100k plus view at LEAST omg. Definately going to be telling everyone who'd be interested about this channel!!

[@highdefinition450]

@@MrSuperGeekster that's poor observation skills, my friend

[@donaudampfschiffahrtsgesel5859]

One more point could be added in self-defeating argument section , its the point when juror#3 is angry and picks up the knife and yells the father was murdered with this knife, and juror#2 tells him "that's not the knife, don't you remember?"

[@ScriptSleuth]

Yes! Great catch. If I talked about all of the amazing details in this movie, it would be a ten-hour long video! 😅

[@plantagenet13]

Saw this film 30 years ago and it has been my favourite film ever since. Unbeatable.

[@mortalclown3812]

​@@roshnisadh721 What are you even saying in every post? Every one you answer has already seen the film.

[@CesarGarcia-ru8hr]

I saw it in a communications class in college. Yes, it turned into my favorite ever since as well. And immediately stopped watching Adam Sandler and Jim Carrey comedy movies.

[@guyinc0gnito]

Man I LOVE the close up on juror 9’s smiling face when he says “I did!”

[@giannapple]

I remember l saw this movie first time when l was about 15 yo on italian TV, back then when movies were sent without interruptions of any kind; l was litterally glued to the screen, didn’t leave the chair l was sitting on until the words “the end” appeared on the screen. A true masterpiece, certainly one of the the movies that made me a film freak.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@giannapple Great story! Thanks for sharing.

[@freonxkipper]

When I was studying architecture I was thought always to be sceptic for the most evident solutions, always be critical and always doubt the obvious. And that's what the architect does. I'm proud of jury #8 because he is an architect to.

[@ramstacp]

And George Costanza too!

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@ramstacp You mean Art Vandalay 😅

[@I-Comment-therefore-i-am]

Also a scene from the movie that I like a lot, when foreman takes the votes for the third or fourth time he ask juror#1 for his vote and then say "oh that's me!", it felt really natural because in real life we sometimes do forget to count ourselves while counting something like attendance or anything and the movie is just around 1.5 hours and its pace is very adjustable and give the audience time to think for themselves. These old black and white movies are really amazing.

[@nerolemon]

Rule one: have a MAXIMUM of 11 angry men per script

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@nerolemon 🤣

[@kiwitrainguy]

Yes, you always need at least one rational character.

[@RareCinephile]

Excellent video!! I’d like to add to the Engaging Audiences section that when Juror 9 admits to writing down not guilty and then asks, if you’d like him to tell you why. He says all of this while looking at the camera, so he’s literally asking the audience, if they’d like him to tell them why he did, and of course the audience would want to know.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Yes! I love that scene.

[@jedgould5531]

Lumet knew an amazing cast was essential for no action outside the room. Surprised you did not mention the journeymen cast while being justly amazed at the screenplay. Well done breaking down successful screenplay characteristics.

[@jedgould5531]

Also, fine music choice.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@jedgould5531 Thank you! Of course, there are SO MANY amazing things about the films that I cover, but I try to limit myself only to the screenwriting.

[@TeddyRumble]

A who's who of character actors.

[@henrykujawa4427]

I suspect this film may be why Lumet wound up doing MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (1974), which also has a large group of characters confined to a small space.

[@philiphalpenny3783]

Little wonder why Hank Fonda chose this film as one of the very few of his pictures that he would love to be preserved in a time capsule. He mentioned that to Dick Cavett in an interview from April 1972 ( available on KZbin)...What an impeccable actor he was...exceptionally refined painter also...

[@mortalclown3812]

This was also the first and last time he produced a film personally: he hated the experience, tho he was very proud of the final product.

[@Catcat65]

I first saw this movie almost 50 years ago and it instantly became my second favourite behind Gone With The Wind. I watched it as recently as a month ago and it still astonishes me with it's brilliance.

[@ScriptSleuth]

I never get tired of seeing it!

[@histubeness]

Interesting that you mention Gone With the Wind. I just came here after watching a video here on YT titled "12 Angry Men AFI "#87". On of the two hosts there really trashes down on GWTW.

[@Catcat65]

Blasphemy! The movie is amazing.

[@tombrooks4096]

@@Catcat65 In terms of what exactly?

[@Catcat65]

@tombrooks4096 the writing, direction, casting.......... Everything.

[@FilmandTVFan]

I love how you list all the different screenwriting rules that 12 Angry Men breaks! This film has such a clever, intimate and beautifully written screenplay, and it blows my mind the more I watch it! For Sidney Lumet’s directorial debut, this is tremendous, and what a script to work with! Thank you for a great insight into the screenplay for this masterpiece of cinema. It’s just one of a kind :)

[@ScriptSleuth]

Hey! Thanks for watching, and leaving the great comment! This film is one of my absolute favorites.

[@DanielLiebert-i1p]

I'm not a screenwriter, just a film fanatic and enjoyed this immensely.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@DanielLiebert-i1p That's so cool! Thanks for leaving a comment.

[@HistorywithHannibal]

Juror 8: what movie did you last see? Me: harry potter and the philosopher's stone Juror 8: who was in it? Me: ok, here we go...

[@mortalclown3812]

This didn't last long enough. Terrific video. Btw, I'm old: two of the men in this film were friends of mine. It's some of their finest work - work that put both of them on the map, although one became a lot more 'famous'. It's easy to see why some of us lament the advent of FX in film, especially. The simple elements in 'Twelve Angry Men' can't be improved upon. Here's to the next generation of writers who remember what's important. Thanks for making a channel that focuses on originality.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Wow, that's amazing! Which two were your friends?

[@goyakagoyaka]

​@@ScriptSleuthYou should not have asked that question. He would have made us aware of that information if he wanted to

[@Christian_Prepper]

*Technically there was a courtroom scene, a bathroom scene, an elevator scene and an outdoor steps scene at the end.* 1:45

[@BillOweninOttawa]

Johnny Depp's judge, in her instructions to the jury, just advised them against straw polls as that tends to harden their positions. So true.

[@StevesStrangeBrew]

Interesting things in common with Reservoir Dogs. All male. Codenamed jurors we only get to know through their actions. Entire thing unfolds in a sequence that barely gets more than five minutes in it's genre: We don't see the trial in the same way we don't see the diamond heist in Dogs.

[@FastEddy1959]

Bank job? I thought it was a diamond heist?

[@StevesStrangeBrew]

@@FastEddy1959 True! I’d assumed the diamonds were in a bank for some reason that makes no sense! I stand corrected.😎

[@carlwilkerson9722]

Excellent catch! I can't imagine Tarantino didn't see this film, or at least some other 1950's films that were first successful plays, leaves on the same branch. I'll let you slide for not knowing where diamonds vulnerable to theft can be found. :)

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

One of the greatest films. Ever.

[@ScriptSleuth]

I really can't argue with that statement!

[@mandyharewood886]

That's what I thought when I first saw it, just a few short years ago. I think everybody should watch it, for many reasons. It's a script that breaks the rules and yet works perfectly. It draws attention to logical fallacies. It exposes how biases affect our judgment. But most of all, it makes one painfully aware of how easily any one of us, though innocent, could end up on death row. I'm now thinking I'd prefer a judge to decide my case. I've seen other films do that, but not as brilliantly. This film stays with you. Everyone should see it. Especially those of us eligible for jury duty!

[@klipkultur3680]

The breakdown of Lee J. Cobb always gets me, it should have given him an Oscar...

[@erictaylor5462]

Special note. It's 12 angry *MEN* because only men were allowed to be on a jury. Women didn't get that right until 1957, the year this movie came out.

[@mikeoveli1028]

Erictaylor That is a pretty amazing factoid. It is pretty amazing the changes i have lived through.

[@lillyanneserrelio2187]

Women on jury duty instead of home taking care of the children? Explains the slow decay of society over the coming decades - directly linked to broken homes

[@LePedantSemantique]

aka The Good Old Days! Am I right fellas? 👊 😄😂🤣😅

[@auapplemac1976]

New York state passed a law in 1937 to permit women on juries

[@Otherfox-be9up]

*and nobody laughed*

[@TheBatugan77]

I first saw this on late night network TV in the mid 70s. Me and my Dad. I was transfixed immediately. Still in my top 3 of all time favorites.

[@ScriptSleuth]

One of those movies where you don't even get up to go to the bathroom!

[@Aldo21574]

I remember being in my teens some 35 years or so ago when I first came across this film. It was on TV and I'd missed the beginning yet I found it utterly compelling which is testament to the writing and acting of everyone involved. I didn't see it in it's entirety until years later but it's an absolute masterpiece and remains one of my all-time favourite movies to this day.

[@BillOweninOttawa]

This film could not be made today as 12 actors of this stature and ability simply do not exist. RIP Ray Liotta

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

Was ray Liotta in a version of this movie?

[@HistorywithHannibal]

@@TomEyeTheSFMguy not that I know of

[@TeddyRumble]

You'd have to have a diverse set of characters for modern audiences. This film could not be made today that was this powerful.

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

You're wrong. There are as many fine actors out there today, as there were back then.

[@chrisprou9216]

excellent breakdown. I remember that this film stirred a sense of the civic importance regarding the service these men were engaged in. Reinforcing (or questioning) the values of the audience through the situation of the screenplay adds to the engagement. Always loved 12 angry men.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@chrisprou9216 Thanks for the great insight!

[@gonshocks]

The whole film is pointing out that the kid had the worst Defense Attorney ever.

[@UCLAdrummer]

Which would be realistic, as he was poor and likely had an overworked and under qualified public defender, which is the norm, even today.

[@thatgui88]

​@@UCLAdrummer Ye, the poor kid probably worked all the time but still cannot afford a good lawyer.

[@sarahcashman8591]

The first time I saw this film was during college for a ‘People, Planning and Organizations’ class for a little insight into psychology, leadership and facts. I’ve loved it ever since.

[@connormcnulty6377]

This movie is essentially 12 heads yelling at each other and it’s one of the best movies I’ve ever watched

[@tammyt3434]

"We must constantly expose ourselves to great work..." whatever your field. This reminds me of when someone breaks down John Williams' music and finds all the pieces from the masters.

[@humblesparrow]

This was wonderful! Shoutout to the blocking too - enhancing the storytelling by increasing the close-ups and dutch angles as time goes by, to up the tension. So many choices that go into a polished product.

[@jamesdrynan]

I have watched this remarkable film over fifty times. At the outset, even the judge's instructions to the jury seem to telegraph his own thoughts on the guilt of the boy. Many lawyers have commented that jury selection criteria would have vetoed some of the twelve men. The bigot uppermost of all. However, for dramatic purposes, his inclusion was a fundamental aspect of the dialogue. Your clip is a marvelous dissection of screenwriting. Kudos!

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks for the great comment, James!

[@soren3569]

It can be assumed that the disqualifying traits were concealed or missed during selection, I think.

[@TeddyRumble]

Disagree. In jury selection, lawyers are given wide discretion to disqualify prospective jurors without cause, but it can't be for race, gender, or similar. These challenges are limited in number. These are called peremptory challenges. Challenges for cause are supposedly unlimited, but questions I've heard were not deep, or probing. Mild prejudice will always slip through. Most challenges for cause are for a relative, knowing the parties, that sort of thing

[@tombrooks4096]

Virtually every scene is a masterpiece, but I do especially enjoy the part with the judge. He is so bored and monotoned that its significance can be overlooked. I think it is just one of many crucial pieces of the whole puzzle. Another section that is only about 5 seconds long is the first jury vote. Although there are 11 votes for guilty with jury member #8 being the lone holdout, I think this scene is also critical. I think this very brief segment shows groupthink in progress. About of the the jury instantly shoots their hand up for guilty and the other 4 or 5 look around for a second and then once they see so many hands up, they slowly raise their hands.

[@9Lando945]

We recently introduced the kids to Little Miss Sunshine and I was reminded how strong that first act is in setting up all the characters, their personal struggles, how they engage one another, and then move into the second act road trip where each character faces disappointment in what they value most. A teenager who doesn’t know he is color blind doesn’t make much sense but otherwise a phenomenal screenplay.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@9Lando945 That's a great movie!

[@anauthorgolf]

Amazing that so few young people haven't seen this. Great engaging movie. Wish they could all be this good.

[@WatchesTrainsAndRockets]

I was first introduced to 12 Angry Men when I read it in my English literature textbook in 10th grade. I was completely hooked and was overjoyed to find out that it was a movie and that it ws going to be on TV one week. This was way before streaming of movie rentals on disc or tape. Old movies were only available on late night or Saturday afternoon TV. Needless to say the movie did not disappoint. It was probably one of the best casts ever. Most were either already well known or went on to become so. Others, you probably readily recognized the face even if you could not put a name to it because they were always such memorable supporting characters.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@WatchesTrainsAndRockets What an amazing treat that must have been!

[@Ruylopez778]

Great points as always! When you mentioned about the screenplay breaking all the rules, like talking heads sitting around a table, I think the setting allows them to get away with this. First, we know right from the beginning that the case is literally a matter of life and death for the accused, so the stakes are huge. Secondly, we know that in a court case a decision has to be made, so there is [most likely] a definitive conclusion to come, which is hopefully worth waiting for. I also think the self defeating arguments are additional satisfaction for the audience, since they are engaged in forming their own opinion [and most likely siding with Juror #8], and trying to guess what the outcome will be.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks for the comment!

[@sandraelder1101]

Brilliant use of movement of actors and camera angles within the confines of a single room (not counting the courtroom & bathroom) too. They take turns shifting positions, move to the window, water cooler, turn away from the bigot then return one by one, etc. By the end, we’re feeling a little sweaty and claustrophobic as well.

[@LTPXQ]

This is one of my favourite films. I have no idea of how many times I've watched it. Thanks for the breakdown of the excellent writing. It only will make this film more enjoyable the next time I see it.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@LTPXQ Thanks for leaving a comment!

[@Mac3622]

It's kind of funny that the juror who is an ad man (featured at 10:47) looks like Jon Hamm from Mad Men, especially since the film was made in the same era as the show. Really enjoyed your analysis of the film. 12 Angry Men is one of my favourites.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks for watching and leaving a comment!

[@petelutz2967]

A very interesting, entertaining dissection of one of my favorite movies. I was 18 or 19 when I saw this for the first time, and I was so impressed by it (I'm 61 now). A few years ago I adapted and produced it as an audio drama, and it's something of which I'm extremely proud.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@petelutz2967 Please share a link if you can!

[@samj6068]

My high school did a production of this movie. It is my favorite show I have ever done!

[@emilyrln]

12 Angry Men is one of the most brilliant, gripping, and hopeful movies I've ever seen. I love it so much! It's also a great example of breaking rules consciously and deliberately to achieve an effect.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@emilyrln Thanks for tuning in!

[@tadesubaru1383]

the comebacks are timeless. they feel like twitter ratios

[@MindiB]

What a cast. And what a script. To reveal character through dialogue and action requires the most authorial skill (IMO), whether for print or screen.

[@renzo6490]

It’s the writing!! Lee J. Cobb gives the performance of a lifetime! Truly!!!

[@beyourself2444]

As a child in the 80s, the one tv station on my island in the Caribbean would show old classic American movies. I'm glad I watched so many of them, this movie is literally perfect, so brilliant...

[@Chromono22]

It is a super genius film, and I thought the fact that it was written primarily in one room and is focused solely on dialogue would make people hate on it more. It makes you THINK a TON about human nature, and is so well written in that regard. I loved every minute of this film.

[@davidpumpkinsjr.5108]

I was such a good move in the 57 version where as the film progresses, tighter and lower angle shots are used to add a feeling of claustrophobia. I don't know if it was Sidney Lumet's idea or thr cinematographer's, but it was a masterstroke.

[@brandonbuchner1771]

The fact that this movie is so highly rated should be a beacon for writers to follow, but alas it's not. I had never seen anything like it before i watched it and i've never seen anything like it since. Also, i would like to add that Lee J. Cobb should be a household name as much as Henry Fonda or Marlon Brando. That dude crushed it in every scene he was in both in this and in On the Waterfront. Just spectacular.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@brandonbuchner1771 Agreed 100%!

[@lesliehunter1823]

He was in my youth

[@brandonbuchner1771]

@@lesliehunter1823 should still be today. He was a force on screen.

[@Edmonddantes123]

One of my absolute all time favorites, just a masterpiece

[@thankyoujodi]

You just earned a subscription; this film is near perfect. My gf wanted to rewatch and after we composed our own jury. Mine's as follows: 1. David Krumholtz 2. Jackie Earle Haley 3. David Morse 4. Wayne Knight 5. Eamonn Walker 6. Chi McBride 7. James Badge Dale 8. Michael Keaton 9. Mark Margolis 10. Ed Begley Jr. 11. Jackie Chan 12. James Marsden

[@ScriptSleuth]

Oh, man, that's a fun exercise! I wonder who I'd put on my own jury... 🤔

[@ScriptSleuth]

I'm not 100% about my choices, but here's a list for now: 1. Mark Moses 2. Charles Martin Smith 3. Wendell Pierce 4. Mayim Bialik 5. Michael Peña 6. Russell Crowe 7. Will Ferrell 8. Emma Thompson 9. Bob Newhart 10. John Goodman 11. Irrfan Khan 12. John Slattery It's so tough to choose!

[@thankyoujodi]

@@ScriptSleuth I'm glad it kept you occupied. It took a while to configure mine. Bob Newhart, what a brilliant choice. Initially I thought Bruce Dern, Robert Duvall, Christopher Lloyd, and Warwick Davis.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@thankyoujodi Yeah this is much harder than it seems! I wanted to update the cast to a modern-day mix, but at the same time you also have to account for the characters' prejudices and flaws.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Also: wouldn't Jack Lemmon be perfect in the roles of Juror 1, Juror 7, or Juror 12?

[@mikeychrisanthus9948]

I've seen The Godfather, Casablanca, Psycho, Singing in the Rain, Barry Lyndon, and a few others that people regard as the best. And I was completely blown away by 12 Angry Men and believe that this is the greatest film I've ever seen. It's rather unusual with its premise and the way it is carried out, but everything is done so perfectly.

[@ScriptSleuth]

It's definitely among my all-time favorites!

[@pavanbheesetty3207]

Man we need more of these. SUrely yours an under rated channel

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thank you!

[@ticktuck10000]

Oh brilliant. I'm still waiting for the Seven Samurai and Rashomon. Thank you for your very good work.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Cheers!

[@JP51ism]

Well done. It's amazing how this film is so riveting with the reasons cited, the action limited within the room, etc.

[@goffe2282]

I lived in the US for a year and my English teacher had the class enact part of this play and let us watch the movie. It's a great memory and it's a great film. I'll have to watch it again. I haven't seen it since. ..... and it also makes me glad we don't have such a legal system where I live.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@goffe2282 That must have been a fun assignment to do in class!

[@skippykaufman4436]

I just watched three ‘Twelve Angry Men’ on Criterion. IMO it’s the great actors that make the Fonda film outstanding. Those performances are wonderful. For example, E. Binns, working-class, has few lines but is so believable - 1. protecting an older voter, & 2. saying “My boss does the supposing”, & finally 3. talking about train noise. All real, so believable.

[@mikepalumbo2085]

I finally saw this film for the first time last night and man oh man what a ride it took me on. An absolute masterpiece. Not one wasted shot or piece of dialog. The film revealing new information at the precise moment it needs to pull the viewer in more. And as more of the picture gets revealed the more questions the viewer has. I've seen Serpico and Dog Day Afternoon and was half expecting 12 Angry Men to be more akin to a film like Reservoir Dogs in that it would still be great but not necessarily as great as the director's following films. I was dead wrong. I almost wish I hadn't watched it so I could still watch it for the first time. Also props to the youtube algorithm doing something right and recommending this breakdown for me. Excellent video. Can't wait to watch some more of your videos.

[@ScriptSleuth]

I'm so envious of your being able to watch it for the very first time! I still never get tired of watching it.

[@daiwalters]

This film is a Fabergé egg. Perfect in every way, a textbook screenwriting and directing masterclass. A minimalist masterpiece.

[@arghsonofcliff]

Seen this movie many times but just realized watching your video that they describe these men by their occupation something we still do today

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@arghsonofcliff When did we start defining ourselves by how we make our money?

[@AntonWongVideo]

this was very well broken down! It seems there's so many rules that can be broken that only one exists: don't bore the audience even THAT i'm not too sure about!

[@ScriptSleuth]

Ha! No, I think that rule we should never break. 🙂

[@AntonWongVideo]

@@ScriptSleuth but what if we want to break it? I think films are a success when they advice whatever they're trying to achieve even if it's boredom!

[@mortalclown3812]

​@@AntonWongVideo This doesn't make sense unless the filmmaker is independently wealthy and doesn't care if no one watches their work. Why on earth would anyone wish to bore an audience with their art? It's the height of pretense.

[@excaliburknives3572]

@@mortalclown3812I think what he means is like if someone’s life is boring at first then so should the movie. It’s immersive. Now after that you need action or some plot point to kick them into the story.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@AntonWongVideo A good example of showing that a character is bored is in Forrest Gump, when he sits in his empty house after Jenny leaves. But it does not bore the audience.

[@masudashizue777]

We never really find out whether the kid is guilty or not. It's flowing in the direction of "not guilty" at the end, but we never really know.

[@ScriptSleuth]

True, but remember they establish the "rules of the game" in the beginning: "not guilty" doesn't actually mean "innocent". If a juror had any reasonable doubt, he would have to vote "not guilty".

[@georgeelmerdenbrough6906]

This available on KZbin . I just finished watching it .

[@WhataboutTRUTH]

One of the best movie's ever made truly wonderful

[@birdiechidambaran5132]

Brilliant analysis. 12 Angry Men continues to be one of my favourites for the past several years now and I have been recommending it to my friends. May I suggest a few films for your consideration? Ignore my request if you Script Sleuth have already done it. 1. Roman Holiday (1953) America 2. The Help (2011) America 3. A Barefoot Dream (2010) South Korea and Japan 4. Battle of Algiers (1966) Italian-Algerian 5. Derzu Uzala (1975) Japan 6. Guess Who's coming to Dinner (1967) America 7. Omar Mukhtar (1981) Libya 8. Monsieur Verdoux (1947) 9. Not One Less (1999) China 10. Greenbook (2018) America

[@ScriptSleuth]

Wow, thanks for the suggestions! You have a good taste in movies.

[@susanmarie2231]

Incredible script and great cast. One of my all time favorites.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@susanmarie2231 Agreed!

[@christophertadda1072]

This video made me appreciate a great film so much more than I had before. Thank you for this breakdown of an American masterpiece.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@christophertadda1072 Thanks for watching, Christopher!

[@Ron-d2s]

I did a deep dive on this once, here on YT I found a stage play version and the original teleplay. There is a TV movie version as well and Malcolm in the Middle did a sendup of the concept with one episode too.

[@nobodyjr8413]

This movie is one of those life changing experiences that define the magic of cinema

[@ScriptSleuth]

Agreed!

[@theintrovertedarcanist984]

I feel very lucky for my 7th grade history teacher putting this movie on at the end of the year. Loved it and remembered it for the rest of my life.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@theintrovertedarcanist984 That's so cool! I wish my teacher had done that.

[@josephcallahan1664]

Excellent! Dr. Strangelove would be a challenging and delightful film to review the screenplay for.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@josephcallahan1664 Great suggestion!

[@greatsilentwatcher]

I enjoyed the analysis because I've watched this film many times and marveled at how it captivated me every time.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@greatsilentwatcher I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for leaving a comment.

[@elliottroses]

Great way to start a Monday, Script Sleuth on one of my favorite movies

[@ScriptSleuth]

Happy Monday to you!

[@gerald-gs2vh]

So many fine actors in this gem of a movie. I would argue it as being one of the best screenplays ever made.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@gerald-gs2vh And I would not argue with that! 😀

[@Music--ng8cd]

And it is still as relevant as ever. Just finding 12 actors would be hard enough, let alone ones that are able to create characters as memorable as these are. Just shows how much talent was on film, television and Broadway at the time.

[@Ch-vx3qn]

I saw this movie as a child, I still remember some of the dialogue, I am 72

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@Ch-vx3qn I wish I had seen this movie when it came out. That must have been an amazing experience.

[@davidvallone1476]

Such an outstanding film. Thank you for the film breakdown. Such wonderful development of characters that drive this film.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks for watching and commenting, David!

[@IndecisiveGames01]

This has given me some perspective that I was looking for.

[@BrendaGarcia-ty2ml]

Love the pop quiz section!

[@ScriptSleuth]

Did you pass? 🙂

[@Crlarl]

Ok, I'm watching this movie again. I've watched it maybe 10 times and I love it.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@Crlarl Nice! It might be time for me to watch it again as well!

[@ilovebrandnewcarpets]

I honestly believe this is one of the best movies ever made. If I was on a desert island with 20 movies, this would be one of them.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@ilovebrandnewcarpets I would do the same!

[@michman2]

Excellent job!!! Now, I have to watch this again.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@michman2 Thanks for the comment!

[@user-sr5rm6td5s]

Thank you for the hard work!

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thank you for watching!

[@catonkybord7950]

I stumbled over this gem of a movie only yesterday through a random reddit post. Thank you, unnamed redditor! ❤

[@mariovillanueva2442]

I've binge pretty much all of your videos now, the only complain I have is that they're too short. That's not just something you say, try and make an hour long video some time and you'll see what I mean, look at Mauler, long-form essays are just amazing, I use them as background for work and I KNOW millions do the same. Good luck man!

[@ScriptSleuth]

Thanks for the comment! I'll keep that in mind.

[@deventazz8018]

27,000 USD in 1957 is equivalent to rough 286,000 USD today. That's some expensive marmalade.

[@TeddyRumble]

Exactly. In It's a Wonderful Life, remember Uncle Billy carring $8,000 in a folded newspaper to the bank? In today's money, dumb George Bailey sent alcoholic Uncle Billy with $127,000, alone, in a folded newspaper. George deserved to be fired.

[@shobhitkaul8076]

Dijon...

[@emilyrln]

Or just a lot of jars of marmalade

[@DanCreaMundos]

I knew this film by name but I never watched until today and I was quite surprised, liked the idea of the premise but I didn't k ow what to expect with the first 10 minutes, and then little by little it manages to keep you interested not only in the result but in the process itself. Really great film with amazing performances.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@DanCreaMundos I'm glad you enjoyed it! I remember the first time I saw it. What a treat it was.

[@WTV2319]

This has always been one of my all time favorites.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@WTV2319 Mine as well!

[@dm121984]

I remember watching this and it is a truly fantastic movie with not a lick of action, only 2 sets (and 1 of those for a very brief intro) and it fantastically explores bias, racism, the unreliability of witness testimony, etc, etc. Great movie that does alot with so very little. If every movie was like this, I think we'd get bored, but as is it is novel and surprisingly fresh.

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@dm121984 Another one I like with Henry Fonda is Fail-Safe.

[@EleazarOctavioRuizSpreafico]

This one and the remake, are two pieces of art. I love you used Duke Ellington's money jungle music. Two of my favourite things

[@ScriptSleuth]

@@EleazarOctavioRuizSpreafico I love it when very select people recognize the music! 🥰

[@ryanwaters5108]

Great analysis as always, but this time made very special with the Duke Ellington accompaniment. Thank you.

[@ScriptSleuth]

Hey Ryan! Thanks for the great comment. You're the first person to catch that it was the Duke.

[@oobrocks]

Brilliant writing w out a doubt!

[@danacoleman4007]

One of my all-time favorites!

[@henrykujawa4427]

I've always thought this was an incredible movie, both for the story, and also for the incredible all-star cast. Henry Fonda is NOT a favorite actor of mine... but, this is by far my FAVORITE of his films that I've seen! As for other films? One immediately comes to mind: EVIL UNDER THE SUN (1982) with Peter Ustinov. I've loved it from the first time I saw it, but could never remember the details, as it was so complex. Then one night I fell asleep in the last half hour. When I woke up, I went downstairs to get a snack, came back up, rewound the tape, and re-watched the last half-hour all by itself. Suddenly, it all made sense to me. After DECADES. A week later, I watched it again, and for the first time, remembered what had happened, and so the WHOLE THING made sense from start to finish. I also realized, to remember WHAT and HOW... I had to remember WHY. That sounds like a GET SMART joke, but it's true. The motive for the murder helps connect EVERY SINGLE THING that happens in the film. Without that, you're lost! Once I "got" it, EVIL... became my #1 favorite Agatha Christie film. (It had been #2 even before that.) Some mysteries actually IMPROVE once you know what really happened! It'd be interesting to see you tackle it the way you did this one.