12 Angry Men
2 Angry Men is a 1997 American made-for-television drama film directed by William Friedkin, adapted by Reginald Rose from his original 1954 teleplay of the same title.
In the murder trial of a teenage boy from a city slum, accused of murdering his father, the judge instructs the jury to determine his guilt or innocence.
Eleven jurors vote for conviction. Jack Lemmon, Juror 8, is the lone dissenter, voting not guilty, and repeatedly questioning the evidence of the case, stating that the evidence is circumstantial and the boy deserves a fair deliberation.
What was essential for this film to work was that Jack Lemmon had to make the role of Juror #8 his own and not even try to compare himself to Henry Fonda. In that regard, Lemmon offered a completely different variation of the character who is more human and vulnerable at the same time. That was a smart decision on Lemmon’s part. Yet what is more valuable with Lemmon in this film is that he was capable of leading the film and is convincing as an ordinary person who makes a difference.
The incomparable JACK LEMMON was born 100 years ago. Film Forum celebrates the centennial of his birth with an extensive two-week series of his finest work including THE APARTMENT, SOME LIKE IT HOT, THE FORTUNE COOKIE, IRMA LA DOUCE, GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES, AVANTI!, GRUMPY OLD MEN, and more.
