``Twelve Monkeys'' Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt threw themselves into Gilliam's world for a cheap price.

Three people who reached new heights like babies

Thinking back, the logo that suddenly appears in the city, with monkeys arranged in a circle, seems to represent the endless cycle of reincarnation. We are born, we die, we die and we are reborn again. This may overlap in some way with the work and lifestyle of actors and film directors.

Also, if you watch the film several times, you cannot help but feel that Gilliam and the cast's desire to "break through to new heights" is expressed everywhere, from the monkey logo, to the time machine with a structure that looks as if it was born from a mother's womb, to the tunnel metaphors that appear throughout the film.

Perhaps it is precisely because the film was undertaken with such different resolve from each of the three actors that "Twelve Monkeys" is filled with some mysterious energy. Even though more than 20 years have passed since then, the strangeness, unique individuality, and distinctive atmosphere have not been diminished in the slightest. In fact, by watching it now, we can add a "perspective from the future" to the film, making it more thrilling, ironic, and realistic to enjoy.

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote trailer

Thinking about it, 2018 was also the year that Gilliam's long-standing project "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote" finally bore fruit. To celebrate this harvest, why not take the time to immerse yourself in his career's biggest hit, "Twelve Monkeys," over the New Year's holiday?

(Quote)

＊1, "Terry Gilliam: The Filmmaker Speaks of Himself" by Ian Christie, translated by Akiko Hiroki, Film Art Publishing (1999/12) p.294

*2, p.297

(References)

"The Complete Terry Gilliam Film Collection" by Bob McCabe, translated by Atsuko Kawaguchi, Kawade Shobo Shinsha (1999/10)

Text: USHIZU ATSUNOBU

Born in Nagasaki in 1977. When he was 3 years old, he saw ``Superman II'' with his father and became fascinated with movies. After The Graduate from Meiji University, he worked for a movie broadcasting channel and then became a movie writer. Currently, in addition to writing for Eiga.com, EYESCREAM, Real Sound Movie Club, etc., he also contributes to media press and theater programs.

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