Sidney Lumet’s psychological courtroom drama.
An 18-year-old boy stands accused of premeditated murder of his father. All evidence points towards the son, and the jury’s verdict seems a mere formality. We meet the twelve jurors as they withdraw to the jury room. Everything appears to lead to a unanimous decision — until one juror votes “not guilty” in the first round. From that point, the tension lies not in the question of guilt, but in how the atmosphere within the jury gradually shifts.
Superstar Henry Fonda hired debut director Sidney Lumet to bring Reginald Rose’s well-crafted TV drama to the big screen. Fonda himself plays the juror plagued by doubt, who argues against what seems an obvious, hastily reached verdict. The role suited Fonda’s unshakeable calm and solemn gravitas perfectly.
The intense drama unfolds in the jury room on a sweltering afternoon. The claustrophobia is palpable, and the camera is used masterfully within the confined space. The restriction paradoxically enhances the drama’s effect, and Lumet’s strict direction leaves no dull moments or detours.
The jurors remain nameless throughout the film. Their individual personalities shine through their traits and values. We soon sense who is uncertain, and who has ulterior motives for convicting the boy. As deliberations progress, each juror is forced to confront their own prejudices and engage in self-reflection.
1h 36min. English dialogue, no subtitles. Age limit: 12.
Tickets available at Odeon Kino Stavanger.