10 Movies You Need To Watch Twice To Completely Understand
9. 12 Monkeys
Monty Pythons Terry Gilliam has made some mind benders in his time. From the dystopian vistas of Brazil or the wild acid trip in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas theres none quite as confusing and brilliant as 12 Monkeys. Even though its based on Chris Markers classic short film La Jetee, of which is comprised entirely out of photographs and narration, the eccentric network of characters and red herrings leads 12 Monkeys into being a film you constantly need to give a double take. Bruce Willis stars as James Cole, a man living in 2035 who is sent back in time to find the terrorist group that released a virus that caused the apocalypse. He cant save the future but he can help find a cure to make the world as he knows it livable again. Upon being sent back in time, hes immediately sent to a mental institution wherein he meets Brad Pitt at his most whacky and award worthy, a man who is accused of being the mastermind behind the activist group who first released the virus. Unlike time travel films like Back To The Future, this films concept works on a straight timeline where everything has already happened and you cant change the future, only help the present. Details get lost on a first viewing and its difficult to keep track of who knows what or whats happened to who. It touches on profound themes of fate as James catches himself in a time loop that will go on for eternity. Certainly one of the best sci-fi films of the past 20 years.
Recently graduated from University of Hertfordshire with a Film & Television Production degree. Usually found watching films, listening to music, writing for whatculture and writing reviews for awardscircuit.com and my blog.
