“Too few films take on the art of arguing as a subject; we could certainly use more of them, but until then, Lumet's window into strained civic duty will continue to serve mightily.” - Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out
“Delivers the goods.” - Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Saturday, June 1, 3:00 p.m. & Wednesday, June 5, 6:00 p.m. | For his exceptional debut feature film, Lumet adapts Reginald Rose’s teleplay into a claustrophobic treatise on bias and the justice system. In a sweaty deliberation room, 12 men consider the life-or-death fate of a teenager accused of murder. Eager to get on with their days, 11 men quickly vote guilty, but Juror #8 (Henry Fonda) is the lone hold out, doubtful of the evidence presented at trial. Over the course of several hours, as the men sweat and argue, their prejudices and doubt seep to the surface. Academy Award-nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay, and with a stacked ensemble cast including Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, and Jack Warden, 12 ANGRY MEN is a controlled exploration of truth and integrity that introduced audiences to Lumet’s remarkable talent for capturing the complexities of human behavior with honesty and depth.
Awards & Nominations
Nominee - Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Academy Awards
Winner - Golden Bear, Berlin Film Festival
Winner - Special Mention, Locarno International Film Festival
Sidney Lumet Centennial: Sidney Lumet (1924–2011) was a director driven by stories of morality. Corrupt systems vs. brave protagonists, the worst of men pitted against the best, honesty in the face of hypocrisy—Lumet’s filmography reflects his dedication to championing what is true and what is just in this harsh world. To celebrate his centennial, we present 12 films by the Oscar-winning filmmaker, June 1–August 21. View full series.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu