The Good Old Days . . .

I saw a movie recently which reminded of how much the entertainment industry in general has changed in less than a generation. The movie was 12 Angry Men (1957) which was co-produced by Sidney Lumet and Henry Fonda (who also acted in a key role). This black & white film, shot in a one room setting, explores how the biases and prejudices of individuals can pervert the judicial process. The setting is a jury deliberating a seemingly open and shut murder case. With nary a special effect, violence, vulgarity or other modern cinematic tools, the movie riveted my attention from start to finish with powerful, thought-provoking dialogue skillfully delivered by credible actors. It was the most satisfying movie-watching experience I had in a long time.

Generally, I have lost interest in most modern movies and television, which now seems to cater to the most violent, lurid, banal excesses it can dig up (a trend also seen in the music industry). 12 Angry Men reminded me of how good the movie industry once was at its craft. With all the technical gadgetry and financial heft of modern movie making, it rarely delivers movies of the same class and caliber as 12 Angry Men, a low budget film shot in only 17 days.