12 Angry Men Cast

The 1957 film "12 Angry Men" is a seminal work in American cinema, directed by Sidney Lumet and written by Reginald Rose. The movie tells the story of a jury of 12 men who are tasked with deciding the fate of a young man accused of murder. As the jury deliberates, the men's personalities, biases, and values are revealed, leading to a tense and dramatic exploration of the justice system. The cast of "12 Angry Men" is comprised of talented actors who bring depth and nuance to their respective characters.

Main Cast

The main cast of “12 Angry Men” includes:

• Henry Fonda as Juror #8: The protagonist of the film, Juror #8 is a thoughtful and principled man who is determined to ensure that the jury reaches a just verdict.
• Martin Balsam as Juror #1: The foreman of the jury, Juror #1 is a high school football coach who is initially eager to reach a quick verdict.
• John Fiedler as Juror #2: A quiet and reserved man, Juror #2 is a bank clerk who is hesitant to speak up but eventually finds his voice.
• Lee J. Cobb as Juror #3: A loud-mouthed and opinionated man, Juror #3 is a businessman who is convinced of the defendant’s guilt and is determined to convince the others.
• E.G. Marshall as Juror #4: A stockbroker, Juror #4 is a logical and analytical man who is initially skeptical of the defendant’s innocence.
• Jack Klugman as Juror #5: A young man from a tough neighborhood, Juror #5 is a sensitive and empathetic person who understands the defendant’s background.
• Edward Binns as Juror #6: A working-class man, Juror #6 is a house painter who is initially undecided but eventually becomes a key player in the deliberations.
• Jack Warden as Juror #7: A salesman, Juror #7 is a charming but superficial man who is more interested in getting to a baseball game than in the trial.
• Joseph Sweeney as Juror #9: An older man, Juror #9 is a wise and compassionate person who becomes a mentor to Juror #8.
• Ed Begley as Juror #10: A garage owner, Juror #10 is a bigoted and intolerant man who is convinced of the defendant’s guilt.
• George Voskovec as Juror #11: A watchmaker, Juror #11 is a gentle and thoughtful man who is an immigrant and brings a unique perspective to the deliberations.
• Robert Webber as Juror #12: An advertising executive, Juror #12 is a smooth-talking and confident man who is initially dismissive of the defendant’s case.

Director and Writer

The film was directed by Sidney Lumet, who was known for his work on television and his ability to elicit powerful performances from his actors. The screenplay was written by Reginald Rose, who based the story on his own experiences as a juror in a murder trial.

Themes and Symbolism

The film “12 Angry Men” explores several themes and uses symbolism to convey its message. Some of the major themes include:

• The importance of critical thinking and skepticism: The film highlights the need to question assumptions and consider alternative perspectives.
• The dangers of groupthink: The film shows how a group of individuals can become swayed by a dominant personality or ideology, leading to poor decision-making.
• The power of persuasion: The film demonstrates how a single individual can influence the opinions and actions of others through effective argumentation and persuasion.
• The importance of empathy and understanding: The film emphasizes the need to consider the perspectives and experiences of others, particularly those from different backgrounds and cultures.

Symbolism

The film uses several symbols to convey its message, including:

• The jury room: The jury room represents a microcosm of society, where individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives come together to make a decision.
• The defendant: The defendant represents the “other,” someone who is different from the jurors and is often misunderstood or stereotyped.
• The verdict: The verdict represents the outcome of the deliberations and the decision-making process, highlighting the importance of critical thinking and skepticism.