Home / Arts and Entertainment / 12 Angry Men Crowned Best American Film
12 Angry Men Crowned Best American Film
13 Apr
Summary
- 1957 film '12 Angry Men' ranked number one greatest American film.
- Director Sidney Lumet's film focuses on jury decisions influenced by personal feelings.
- Lumet learned filmmaking from directing live television episodes.
Nearly 70 years after its premiere, the 1957 film '12 Angry Men' has achieved a new pinnacle of acclaim, topping Collider's list of the 20 greatest American films. Directed by Sidney Lumet, the film's enduring power is attributed to its confined setting, direct storytelling, and examination of timeless American issues.
Lumet described '12 Angry Men' as the definitive cinematic portrayal of the jury system, noting how jurors' personal feelings, often disconnected from the case, influence their decisions. He specifically pointed to the character Jury Number Three, whose personal history with his son made him a holdout.
Before directing '12 Angry Men,' Lumet gained invaluable experience directing live television episodes. He explained that while adapting storytelling for the larger screen presented a significant challenge compared to the '17 inch piece of glass' of television, his extensive knowledge of lenses, crucial for both mediums, was a great asset derived from his early television work.
