Seeing Cinema in a New Light: Criticism, Essays and Observations about Classic Cinema

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Why Juror 8 of 12 Angry Men (1955) was Wrong on Every Conceivable Level

Henry Fonda from 12 Angry Men

Henry Fonda from 12 Angry Men

Yes, I know what you’re thinking: click bait. And what better way to generate click bait than to criticize a critically acclaimed, universally beloved movie like 12 Angry Men, right? Well, before you click away in a fit of disgust, read Why I No Longer Like 12 Angry Men (1957). You may have been sold on the movie being this masterpiece that’s above criticism, but if you read my critique of the movie, you’ll see that it’s a very manipulative movie that subverts critical thinking and distorts legal concepts to make its case.

Given how long that entry was, you may well be wondering why I’m writing another one on it. The reason why is that Why I No Longer Like 12 Angry Men (1957) mostly touches upon how manipulative the movie was. It doesn’t really go into any depth as to why Juror 8’s arguments and approach in trying to absolve the defendant of guilt were just plain wrong. So, in this entry, I’ll be focusing more on Juror 8’s arguments rather than the movie itself.

1 Comment

  1. Terry

    Many people will believe a slick-talking politician over one who may be harsh but tells the truth. This is basically what this film is about. I think the writer of the movie (and the play) did it deliberately. He was making fools of those who believe the smooth-talking Fonda who has absolutely no facts on his side, over the other rougher men who did have the facts to back up their stance.

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