Cinema A La Carte Podcast – Episode 014 – 12 MONKEYS (1995)

Terry Gilliam has been a very “confusing” director. His films are sometimes called inaccessible. Whether it is TIME BANDITS (1981), BRAZIL (1985), or FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS (1998), his work is very distinct. In 1995, his film 12 MONKEYS did have his various traits and also was a well received science fiction film with originality.In apocalyptic 2035, where people live underground, prisoner James Cole (Bruce Willis) is sent to the surface for samples so a cure for a pandemic that killed most of humanity. Scientists however have a plan. They are able to send people back to the past so to see if they can stop the disease itself. When James heads back to 1996, he discovers that a group of environmental terrorists called 12 Monkeys may be the culprit.Directed by Gilliam, the screenplay was written by duo, David and Janet Peoples, based off a French short film LA JATEE by Chris Marker. The cast includes Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, David Morse, Christopher Plummer, and Madeleine Stowe. Your co-hosts take a look at this very interesting film and give their thoughts.