12 Monkeys

This 1995 released Science Fiction thriller is one of the only films that Gilliam has made that he has no writing credit for.  Starring Bruce Willis as the time travelling prisoner James Cole, it is based on a film idea from French film maker Chris Maker (yeah, that's not his real name) who made a short film of the time travelling concept in 1962, and screenplay expanded by writers David Webb Peoples and  Janet Peoples.  In this respect, the film is linked with The Fisher King, which also wasn't penned in any part by Gilliam

It also stars Brad Pitt and Madeleine Stowe.  It is based on the idea that someone at some time in the past released a virus that killed most of the human race and forced the rest underground.  Having mastered the science of time travel, these sequestered future people get the idea to send a prisoner back in time to conduct test and try and stop the release of the virus.  The future people think they know who released the virus and they think they know why.  But they might just be wrong.

Runtime:  129 min.

Rated R

Release Date:  

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Color (Moviecam Compact with Cooke S3 Lenses)

Sound:  DTS

Tagline:  The future is history

Although the standard DVD release and US theatrical release were in Gilliam's usual aspect ratio of 1.85:1, the European theatrical release was in the 1.66:1 ratio.

The scenes for the mental asylum were shot in the (in)famous shuttered Eastern State Penitentiary.

Gilliam wanted to give the role of Cole to one of his favorite actors Jeff Bridges, but the studio wanted a bigger star.  Gilliam remembered Bruce Willis' audition for the role of Jack in The Fisher King and suggested him instead.  Willis actually took a pay cut to portray the time travelling Cole.  Brad Pitt also signed on for a small paycheck

The voice of the reporter on the radio announces "Roger Pratt reporting."  Roger Pratt was the film's DP.

Gilliam had not seen Christ Marker's short film La jetée when he make 12 Monkeys.

Gilliam actually gave Willis a list of "Willis acting clichés" to avoid at all costs.

Gilliam was also worried about Pitt's performance as the manic Jeffery Goins.  He hired a speech coach to help Pitt get the "gibberish speech" down, but found that taking away Pitt's cigarettes worked much better.

Gilliam had a near fatal horse riding accident during the production phase of the movie.

The original tagline for the film was "The future is in the hands of a man who has none."  It was changed for obvious reasons, since it sounds the man has no hands, not no future.