Trailer
Plot summary
A virus has wiped out 99 percent of the world's population, and in 2035 the survivors live in underground communities. James Cole, a prisoner held in a compound beneath the ruins of Philadelphia, is picked by scientists for a mission back to 1996: gather information about the virus's original strain, so that a cure could be developed. He is haunted by dreams of a childhood scene in an airport terminal, where a man was shot. Sent through time, Cole surfaces in Baltimore in 1990 instead of 1996, is arrested, and is committed to a psychiatric hospital, diagnosed by Dr. Kathryn Railly. There he meets Jeffrey Goines, a fellow patient who rails against consumerism, and tells the doctors he is looking for the Army of the Twelve Monkeys.
Cast
Did you know?!Facts and trivia about Twelve Monkeys (1995)
Can contain spoilers, watch the movie first.
- Architect Lebbeus Woods filed a lawsuit against Universal in February 1996, claiming that his work Neomechanical Tower (Upper) Chamber was used without permission; Woods won, requiring Universal to remove the scenes, but he ultimately allowed their inclusion in exchange for a high six-figure cash settlement.
- The Writers Guild of America was skeptical of the inspired by credit for La Jetée and Chris Marker, and Gilliam said that he had not seen La Jetée when he made 12 Monkeys; in 2003 Marker said he felt the film was magnificent.
- Gilliam's initial casting choices were Nick Nolte as James Cole and Jeff Bridges as Jeffrey Goines, but Universal objected; Nicolas Cage and Tom Cruise were among the other actors suggested for the roles, and Gilliam rejected those choices too.
- The film echoes Vertigo: Railly transforms herself with a blonde wig, as Judy, played by Kim Novak, transforms herself into blonde Madeleine, and Cole sees her emerge within a red light as Scottie saw Judy emerge within a green light.
- In Philadelphia, months before filming, Pitt spent weeks at Temple University's hospital, visiting and studying the psychiatric ward to prepare for his role.
- Gilliam injured himself when he went horseback riding during the production, but despite the setbacks the director managed to stay within the budget and was only a week behind his shooting schedule.
