Brad Pitt's 'masterpiece' sci-fi film is still messing with people's minds today

Daily Record

01-05-2025

It's been nearly three decades since Brad Pitt starred in the mind-bending sci-fi thriller Twelve Monkeys - and it's still one of the movies that fans consider to be the highlight of his career
In 1995, movie buffs were on tenterhooks as Brad Pitt wrapped up filming Seven as they awaited the release of Terry Gilliam's sci-fi thriller. With anticipation brewing at the time, audiences from that era—and even now—remain enthralled by the film's gripping narrative.
Often underrated in the catalogue of Brad Pitt's exceptional movies is Twelve Monkeys, a film set against the backdrop of a dilapidated future world and inspired by the 1962 short film La Jetée. Also featuring Hollywood veteran Bruce Willis, the movie garnered critical acclaim and raked in a hefty $168.8 million at the box office, solidifying its place as one of Pitt's seminal works.
‌
One review on Rotten Tomatoes read: "A strange, disturbing, and effective thriller that rocks phenomenal performances from Willis and Pitt and amazingly creative directing from Terry Gilliam.
‌
"Though the plot could be pretty hard to follow at times, and the Vertigo scene was far too on the nose, this film properly thrilled me and kept me guessing for the entire run time."
Another added: "This is one of those films where you catch something new every single time you watch it, making it one mind-bending, crazy sci-fi experience no matter how many times you've seen it. The performances are amazing, especially by a young Brad Pitt and the phenomenal Bruce Willis in his prime.", reports the Express.
The plot centres around James Cole, portrayed by Bruce Willis, who is a prisoner in the 2030s—a time which seemed distant when the film was made but is now just around the corner. He's enlisted for a mission to travel back to the 1990s to gather information on an emerging disease destined to decimate a large portion of the global population, eerily reminiscent of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Due to a mishap, instead of arriving in 1996, Cole finds himself in 1990 and ends up in a psychiatric hospital. It's there he encounters Dr Kathryn Railly, played by Madeline Stowe, who soon suspects there's more to him than meets the eye.
Cole also crosses paths with Jeffrey Goines, a role taken on by Brad Pitt, who is the unhinged offspring of a renowned virologist. This encounter could provide Cole with the last piece of the puzzle he needs.
‌
Like much of Terry Gilliam's work, including 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' and 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail', 'Twelve Monkeys' is known for its mind-bending visuals and is not for those with a weak disposition. A review said: "Incredible acting by Willis and Pitt. The cinematography is extremely distinct and memorable for such a surreal story and gives everything a unique identity.
"The editing is masterful as well. This is a film everyone should see once. It would be a crime to go into detail any further than that. All-time classic".
Another added: "I can imagine this being awesome back in the '90s. It's still pretty good, especially if you enjoy time travel and pondering ethical questions such as the treatment of psychologically disturbed people, homelessness, and animal rights."
However, not all feedback was positive, with one viewer expressing disappointment: "Really disappointed with this movie, given the high rating I found here. The acting is over the top, and the plot confusing - very art house. I found the relationship between Cole and Railly totally implausible which stopped me from really caring about the characters."
Brad Pitt, who initially rose to fame as a heartthrob in films like Thelma and Louise, solidified his reputation as a serious actor with his role in Twelve Monkeys. This performance set the stage for his later work in acclaimed movies such as Fight Club, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and 12 Years a Slave.