# 12 Monkeys

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For the 2015 television adaptation, see [12 Monkeys (TV series)](/source/12_Monkeys_(TV_series)).

***12 Monkeys*** is a 1995 American [science fiction thriller film](/source/Science_fiction_thriller_film) directed by [Terry Gilliam](/source/Terry_Gilliam) from a screenplay by [David Peoples](/source/David_Peoples) and [Janet Peoples](/source/Janet_Peoples), based on [Chris Marker](/source/Chris_Marker)'s 1962 short film *[La Jetée](/source/La_Jet%C3%A9e)*. It stars [Bruce Willis](/source/Bruce_Willis), [Madeleine Stowe](/source/Madeleine_Stowe), [Brad Pitt](/source/Brad_Pitt), and [Christopher Plummer](/source/Christopher_Plummer). Set in a [post-apocalyptic future](/source/Apocalyptic_and_post-apocalyptic_fiction) devastated by disease, the film follows a convict who is sent back in time to gather information about the man-made [virus](/source/Virus) that wiped out most of the [human population](/source/World_population) on the planet.

The film was theatrically released in the United States on December 29, 1995, by [Universal Pictures](/source/Universal_Pictures). It received positive reviews from critics and grossed over $168.8 million worldwide against a $29 million budget. At the [68th Academy Awards](/source/68th_Academy_Awards), the film was nominated for [Best Supporting Actor](/source/Academy_Award_for_Best_Supporting_Actor) (for Pitt) and [Best Costume Design](/source/Academy_Award_for_Best_Costume_Design). It garnered seven nominations at the [22nd Saturn Awards](/source/22nd_Saturn_Awards), winning three: [Best Science Fiction Film](/source/Saturn_Award_for_Best_Science_Fiction_Film), [Best Supporting Actor](/source/Saturn_Award_for_Best_Supporting_Actor), and [Best Costumes](/source/Saturn_Award_for_Best_Costume_Design). Pitt also won [Best Supporting Actor](/source/Golden_Globe_Award_for_Best_Supporting_Actor_%E2%80%93_Motion_Picture) at the [53rd Golden Globe Awards](/source/53rd_Golden_Globe_Awards).

## Plot

A virus emerges in 1996 and kills 99 percent of the global human population. James Cole is a prisoner in a compound underneath Philadelphia which is protected from the virus. He is selected by scientists for a mission to travel to 1996 and collect information on the original strain of the virus so a cure can be developed. He experiences recurring dreams of a man being fatally shot in an airport terminal in the presence of a child.

Upon being sent back in time, Cole arrives in [Baltimore](/source/Baltimore) in 1990, not 1996 as planned. He is arrested and committed to a [psychiatric hospital](/source/Psychiatric_hospital) on the diagnosis of Dr. Kathryn Railly. He encounters fellow inmate Jeffrey Goines, an outspoken critic of [consumerism](/source/Consumerism). Cole tells the hospital doctors he is searching for the Army of the Twelve Monkeys who spread a virus that already killed billions of people in 1996, which is the past. During an escape attempt aided by Jeffrey, Cole is abruptly returned to the future. The scientists attempt to send Cole back in time again to 1996, and he briefly arrives on a [World War I](/source/World_War_I) battlefield, where he encounters José, another inmate from the future, before being shot in the leg.

In 1996 Railly gives a lecture on the [Cassandra Complex](/source/Cassandra_Complex) where she briefly encounters Dr. Peters, who mentions the destruction of the environment by humanity. Railly is kidnapped in her car and told to drive to Philadelphia. The kidnapper turns out to be Cole. Railly offers him medical help and extracts a bullet from his leg. His investigation leads them to Jeffrey, which they discover is the leader of the Army of the Twelve Monkeys and son of renowned virologist Dr. Leland Goines. Cole is abruptly returned to the future. Railly is told by police that the bullet from Cole's leg was likely fired before the 1920s, which prompts her to identify Cole in a photograph from a WWI battlefield that she's gathered while researching the Cassandra Complex. She urges Leland Goines to secure his virus lab against access by his son. Leland shares his intention to improve the lab's security with his assistant, Dr. Peters.

Cole arrives in 1996 again and finds Railly. He tells her he believes himself delusional, while she says she's not sure any more. Railly leaves a voicemail on a number Cole says was given to him by the scientists. Cole tells her he has already heard her message, played to him by the scientists in the future. Cole and Railly decide to spend the following days together at the [Florida Keys](/source/Florida_Keys). On their way there, they learn that the Army of the Twelve Monkeys is an animal rights organization led by Jeffrey, and their graffiti "we did it" refers to liberating animals from a Philadelphia zoo, not releasing the virus.

At the airport, Cole records a message on the voicemail number. He says the Army of the Twelve Monkeys is a false lead and that he's not coming back. Railly comes across Dr. Peters at the airport, and recognizes him through a newspaper photo alongside virologist Leland Goines. Cole comes across José, who tracked him down after his last message, and hands him a gun. Railly informs Cole of Peters, and Cole attempts to shoot Peters, but is shot dead by police. As Cole dies in Railly's arms, she makes eye contact with a young boy witnessing the scene. Peters boards his flight and takes a seat beside Jones, one of the scientists who orchestrated Cole's mission. Outside the airport, the young boy who observed the shooting, James, watches an airplane take off.

## Production

### Development

The genesis of *12 Monkeys* came from [executive producer](/source/Executive_producer) Robert Kosberg, who had been a fan of the French short film *[La Jetée](/source/La_Jet%C3%A9e)* (1962). Kosberg persuaded that film's director, [Chris Marker](/source/Chris_Marker), to let him [pitch](/source/Pitch_(filmmaking)) the project to [Universal Pictures](/source/Universal_Pictures), seeing it as a perfect basis for a full-length science fiction film. Universal agreed to purchase the [remake rights](/source/Film_rights) and hired [David](/source/David_Peoples) and [Janet Peoples](/source/Janet_Peoples) to write the screenplay.[3] Producer [Charles Roven](/source/Charles_Roven) chose [Terry Gilliam](/source/Terry_Gilliam) to direct, because he believed the filmmaker's style was perfect for *12 Monkeys'* nonlinear storyline and time travel subplot.[4] Gilliam had just abandoned a [film adaptation](/source/Film_adaptation) of *[A Tale of Two Cities](/source/A_Tale_of_Two_Cities)* when he signed to direct *12 Monkeys*, though Gilliam felt the script was "too complex" to take on.[5][6]

The film represents the second film for which Gilliam did not write or co-write the screenplay. Although he prefers to direct his own scripts, he was captivated by Peoples' "intriguing and intelligent script. The story is disconcerting. It deals with time, madness and a perception of what the world is or isn't. It is a study of madness and dreams, of death and re-birth, set in a world coming apart".[4]

Universal took longer than expected to approve *12 Monkeys*, although Gilliam had two stars (Willis and Pitt) and a firm budget of $29.5 million (low for a Hollywood science fiction film). Universal's production of *[Waterworld](/source/Waterworld)* (1995) had resulted in various [cost overruns](/source/Cost_overrun). To get *12 Monkeys* approved for production, Gilliam persuaded Willis to lower his normal [asking price](/source/Asking_price).[7] Because of Universal's strict production incentives and his history with the studio on *[Brazil](/source/Brazil_(1985_film))*, Gilliam received [final cut privilege](/source/Final_cut_privilege). The [Writers Guild of America](/source/Writers_Guild_of_America) was skeptical of the "inspired by" credit for *La Jetée* and Chris Marker.[8] Gilliam said that he had not seen *La Jetée* when he made *12 Monkeys*.[9]

### Casting

Gilliam's initial casting choices were [Nick Nolte](/source/Nick_Nolte) as James Cole and [Jeff Bridges](/source/Jeff_Bridges) as Jeffrey Goines, but Universal objected.[5] Other actors were suggested for the roles included [Nicolas Cage](/source/Nicolas_Cage) and [Tom Cruise](/source/Tom_Cruise), but Gilliam rejected the choices.[10] Gilliam, who first met Bruce Willis while casting Jeff Bridges' role in *[The Fisher King](/source/The_Fisher_King_(film))* (1991), believed Willis evoked Cole's characterization as being "somebody who is strong and dangerous but also vulnerable".[4] Gilliam later stated that he wasn't originally interested in casting Willis because of the actor's mouth.[10]

Gilliam cast [Madeleine Stowe](/source/Madeleine_Stowe) as Dr. Kathryn Railly because he was impressed by her performance in *[Blink](/source/Blink_(1993_film))* (1994).[4] The director first met Stowe when he was casting his abandoned film adaptation of *[A Tale of Two Cities](/source/A_Tale_of_Two_Cities)*.[5] "She has this incredible ethereal beauty and she's incredibly intelligent", Gilliam said of Stowe. "Those two things rest very easily with her, and the film needed those elements because it has to be romantic."[4]

Gilliam originally believed that Pitt was not right for the role of Jeffrey Goines, but the casting director convinced him otherwise.[5] Pitt was cast for a comparatively small salary, as he was still relatively unknown at the time. By the time of *12 Monkeys'* release, *[Interview with the Vampire](/source/Interview_with_the_Vampire_(film))* (1994), *[Legends of the Fall](/source/Legends_of_the_Fall)* (1994), and *[Se7en](/source/Seven_(1995_film))* (1995) had been released, making Pitt an [A-list](/source/A-list) actor, which drew greater attention to the film and boosted its box-office standing. In [Philadelphia](/source/Philadelphia), months before filming, Pitt spent weeks at [Temple University](/source/Temple_University)'s hospital, visiting and studying the psychiatric ward to prepare for his role.[4]

### Filming

[Principal photography](/source/Principal_photography) lasted from February 8 to May 6, 1995. Shooting on location in [Philadelphia](/source/Philadelphia) and [Baltimore](/source/Baltimore) (including the [Senator Theatre](/source/Senator_Theatre))[1][11] in winter was fraught with weather problems. There were also technical glitches with the futuristic mechanical props. Because the film has a nonlinear storyline, continuity errors occurred, and some scenes had to be reshot. Gilliam also injured himself when he went horseback riding. Despite setbacks, the director managed to stay within the budget and was only a week behind his [shooting schedule](/source/Shooting_schedule). "It was a tough shoot", acknowledged [Jeffrey Beecroft](/source/Jeffrey_Beecroft), the film's [production designer](/source/Production_designer). "There wasn't a lot of money or enough time. Terry is a perfectionist, but he was really adamant about not going over budget. He got crucified for *[Munchausen](/source/The_Adventures_of_Baron_Munchausen)*, and that still haunts him."[1]

The filmmakers were not allowed access to [sound stages](/source/Sound_stage); thus, they had to find abandoned buildings or landmarks to use.[8] The exteriors of the climactic airport scene were shot at the [Baltimore–Washington International Airport](/source/Baltimore%E2%80%93Washington_International_Airport), while the interior scenes were shot at the [Pennsylvania Convention Center](/source/Pennsylvania_Convention_Center) (formerly [Reading Terminal](/source/Reading_Terminal)). Filming at the psychiatric hospital was done at the [Eastern State Penitentiary](/source/Eastern_State_Penitentiary) and [Girard College](/source/Girard_College).[12] Some shots took place in abandoned motels in [Camden, New Jersey](/source/Camden,_New_Jersey).[13][14] *12 Monkeys* was shot in the [1.85:1](/source/1.85:1) format rather than [anamorphic](/source/Anamorphic).[15]

### Design

Gilliam used the same filmmaking style as he had in *Brazil* (1985), including the [art direction](/source/Art_direction) and [cinematography](/source/Cinematography) (specifically using [Fresnel lenses](/source/Fresnel_lens)).[7] The appearance of the interrogation room where Cole is being interviewed by the scientists was based on the work of [Lebbeus Woods](/source/Lebbeus_Woods); these scenes were shot at three [power stations](/source/Power_station) (two in Philadelphia and one in Baltimore). Gilliam intended to show Cole being interviewed through a multi-screen interrogation TV set because he felt the machinery evoked a "nightmarish intervention of technology. You try to see the faces on the screens in front of you, but the real faces and voices are down there and you have these tiny voices in your ear. To me that's the world we live in, the way we communicate these days, through technical devices that pretend to be about communication but may not be".[16]

The [art department](/source/Art_department) made sure that the 2035 underground world only used pre-1996 technology, to depict the bleakness of the future. Gilliam, Beecroft and set decorator [Crispian Sallis](/source/Crispian_Sallis) went to several [flea markets](/source/Flea_market) and salvage warehouses looking for materials to decorate the sets.[4] The majority of visual effects sequences were created by Peerless Camera Company, which Gilliam founded in the late 1970s with Kent Houston, the film's [visual effects supervisor](/source/Visual_effects_supervisor).[15] Additional [digital compositing](/source/Digital_compositing) was done by [The Mill](/source/The_Mill_(company)), while [Cinesite](/source/Cinesite) provided film scanning services.[4]

## Music

The [film's score](/source/Film_score) was composed, arranged, and conducted by English musician [Paul Buckmaster](/source/Paul_Buckmaster). The main theme is based on [Argentine](/source/Argentine_people) [tango](/source/Tango_music) musician/composer [Astor Piazzolla](/source/Astor_Piazzolla)'s *[Suite Punta del Este](/source/Suite_Punta_del_Este)*.[17]

## Themes

### Thematic elements

Cole has been thrust from another world into ours and he's confronted by the confusion we live in, which most people somehow accept as normal. So he appears abnormal, and what's happening around him seems random and weird. Is he mad or are we?

— *— Director Terry Gilliam[7]*

In the biographical novel *Gilliam on Gilliam*, director Terry Gilliam described the film as "very much about the twentieth century's inundation of information and about deciphering what among all this noise and imagery is useful and important to our lives"; these themes are expressed in conflicts between the protagonist and antagonistic elements in the relative 'past' and 'future'.[7]

References to time, time travel, and monkeys are scattered throughout the film, including the [Woody Woodpecker](/source/Woody_Woodpecker) cartoon, *Time Tunnel* (1969), playing on the TV in a hotel room, the [Marx Brothers](/source/Marx_Brothers) film *[Monkey Business](/source/Monkey_Business_(1931_film))* (1931) on TV in the asylum, and the subplots involving monkeys (drug testing, news stories and animal rights).

### Allusions to other films and media

*12 Monkeys* is inspired by the French short film *[La Jetée](/source/La_Jet%C3%A9e)* (1962); as in *La Jetée*, characters are haunted by the images of their own deaths.[12] Like *La Jetée*, *12 Monkeys* contains references to [Alfred Hitchcock](/source/Alfred_Hitchcock)'s *[Vertigo](/source/Vertigo_(film))* (1958). Toward the end of the film, Cole and Railly hide in a theater showing a 24-hour Hitchcock marathon and watch scenes from *Vertigo* and *The Birds*. Railly then transforms herself with a blonde wig, as Judy ([Kim Novak](/source/Kim_Novak)) transforms herself into blonde Madeleine in *Vertigo*; Cole sees her emerge within a red light, as Scottie ([James Stewart](/source/James_Stewart)) saw Judy emerge within a green light.[12] Brief notes of [Bernard Herrmann](/source/Bernard_Herrmann)'s film score can also be heard. Railly also wears the same coat Novak wore in the first part of *Vertigo*. The scene at [Muir Woods National Monument](/source/Muir_Woods_National_Monument), where Judy (as Madeleine) looks at the growth rings of a felled redwood and traces back events in her past life, resonates with larger themes in *12 Monkeys*. Cole and Railly later have a similar conversation while the same music from *Vertigo* is repeated.[12] The Muir Woods scene in *Vertigo* is also reenacted in *La Jetée*. In a previous scene in the film, Cole wakes up in a hospital bed with the scientists talking to him in chorus. This is a direct homage to the "[Dry Bones](/source/Dem_Bones)" scene in [Dennis Potter](/source/Dennis_Potter)'s *[The Singing Detective](/source/The_Singing_Detective)*.[18] James Cole is a notable [Christ figure](/source/Christ_figure) in the film.[19][20] The film is significant in the genre of science-fiction [film noir](/source/Film_noir), and it alludes to various "canonical noir" films.[21]

## Release

### Home media

[Universal Pictures](/source/Universal_Pictures_Home_Entertainment) released *12 Monkeys* on VHS on January 28, 1997.[22][better source needed] It was also released on a "Signature Collection" LaserDisc of the film on February 18, 1997, containing an [audio commentary](/source/Audio_commentary) by director Terry Gilliam and producer Charles Roven, *The Hamster Factor and Other Tales of Twelve Monkeys* (a [making-of](/source/Making-of) documentary), an archive of production art, and production notes.[23] It was first released on DVD on March 31, 1998, containing the same extras as the LaserDisc.[24][better source needed] It was re-released as a Special Edition DVD on May 10, 2005, with a new transfer of the film and identical extras.[25] It was also released on [HD DVD](/source/HD_DVD) on March 4, 2008, with the same extras.[24] It was released on [Blu-ray Disc](/source/Blu-ray_Disc) on July 28, 2009, with the same extras.[24] [Arrow Films](/source/Arrow_Films) released a new Blu-ray of the film on October 15, 2018, containing a new transfer of the film, remastered in 4K from the original negative, all of the previous extras, as well as a vintage 1996 interview with Terry Gilliam, and an interview with Gilliam scholar Ian Christie.[26]

### Lebbeus Woods lawsuit

Throughout the film, Cole is brought into an interrogation room and told to sit in a chair attached to a vertical rail on the wall. A spherical machine with screens of varying sizes showing close-ups of the faces of the scientists interrogating Cole, supported by a metal armature is suspended directly in front of him, probing for weaknesses as the inquisitors interrogate him.[27] Architect [Lebbeus Woods](/source/Lebbeus_Woods) filed a lawsuit against Universal in February 1996, claiming that his work "Neomechanical Tower (Upper) Chamber" was used without permission. Woods won his lawsuit, requiring Universal to remove the scenes, but he ultimately allowed their inclusion in exchange for a "high six-figure cash settlement" from Universal.[27][28]

### Trilogy claims

After the release of *[The Zero Theorem](/source/The_Zero_Theorem)* in 2013, claims were made that Gilliam had meant it as part of a trilogy. A 2013 review for *The Guardian* said, "Calling it [*The Zero Theorem*] the third part of a trilogy formed by earlier dystopian satires *[Brazil](/source/Brazil_(1985_film))* and *Twelve Monkeys* [*sic*]";[29] but in an interview with Alex Suskind for *Indiewire* in late 2014, Gilliam said, "Well, it's funny, this trilogy was never something I ever said, but it's been repeated so often it's clearly true [laughs]. I don't know who started it but once it started it never stopped".[30]

## Reception

### Box office

*12 Monkeys* grossed $57.14 million in the United States and Canada, and $111.69 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $168.83 million.[2] The film held the No. 1 spot on box office charts for two weeks in January, before dropping due to competition from *[From Dusk till Dawn](/source/From_Dusk_till_Dawn)*, *[Mr. Holland's Opus](/source/Mr._Holland's_Opus)*, and *[Black Sheep](/source/Black_Sheep_(1996_film))*.[31]

### Critical response

Audiences polled by [CinemaScore](/source/CinemaScore) gave the film an average grade of "B" on an A+ to F scale.[32]

The film's startling depiction of the world in 2035—where human life has been driven underground by a 1990s viral outbreak that annihilated 99% of human life—may not always make sense. But *12 Monkeys* rattles with insightful sound and fury, and its bleak visions are hard to shake.

— *—Peter Stack, writing for the*San Francisco Chronicle*[33]*

[Roger Ebert](/source/Roger_Ebert) found *12 Monkeys'* depiction of the future similar to *[Blade Runner](/source/Blade_Runner)* (1982, also scripted by [David Peoples](/source/David_Peoples)) and *[Brazil](/source/Brazil_(1985_film))* (1985, also directed by Terry Gilliam). "The film is a celebration of madness and doom, with a hero who tries to prevail against the chaos of his condition, and is inadequate", Ebert wrote. "This vision is a cold, dark, damp one, and even the romance between Willis and Stowe feels desperate rather than joyous. All of this is done very well, and the more you know about movies (especially the technical side), the more you're likely to admire it. [...] And as entertainment, it appeals more to the mind than to the senses."[34]

[Janet Maslin](/source/Janet_Maslin) of *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)* stated, "This apocalyptic nightmare, a vigorous work of dark, surprise-filled science fiction, is much tougher and less fanciful than the director's films have often been. [...] *12 Monkeys* is fierce and disturbing, with a plot that skillfully resists following any familiar course. The film's hero fears that he's half-crazy, and for two hours Mr. Gilliam artfully keeps his audience feeling the same way."[35] [Desson Thomson](/source/Desson_Thomson) of *[The Washington Post](/source/The_Washington_Post)* praised the art direction and set design. "Willis and Pitt's performances, Gilliam's atmospherics and an exhilarating momentum easily outweigh such trifling flaws in the script", Thomson wrote.[36] [Peter Travers](/source/Peter_Travers) from [*Rolling Stone* magazine](/source/Rolling_Stone_(magazine)) attributes the film's success to Gilliam's direction and Willis' performance.[37] Internet reviewer [James Berardinelli](/source/James_Berardinelli) believed the filmmakers had an intelligent and creative motive for the time-travel subplot. Rather than being sent to change the past, James Cole is instead observing it to make a better future.[38] [Richard Corliss](/source/Richard_Corliss) of [*Time* magazine](/source/Time_(magazine)) felt the film's time-travel aspect and apocalyptic depiction of a bleak future were [clichés](/source/Clich%C3%A9). "In its frantic mix of chaos, carnage and zoo animals, *12 Monkeys* is *[Jumanji](/source/Jumanji_(film))* for adults", Corliss wrote.[39]

## Accolades

[Brad Pitt](/source/Brad_Pitt) was nominated for the [Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor](/source/Academy_Award_for_Best_Supporting_Actor), but lost to [Kevin Spacey](/source/Kevin_Spacey) for *[The Usual Suspects](/source/The_Usual_Suspects)*. [Julie Weiss](/source/Julie_Weiss) was also nominated for the [Academy Award for Best Costume Design](/source/Academy_Award_for_Best_Costume_Design), but lost to [James Acheson](/source/James_Acheson) for *[Restoration](/source/Restoration_(1995_film))*.[40] However, Pitt won the [Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture](/source/Golden_Globe_Award_for_Best_Supporting_Actor_%E2%80%93_Motion_Picture).[41] [Terry Gilliam](/source/Terry_Gilliam) was honored for his direction at the [46th Berlin International Film Festival](/source/46th_Berlin_International_Film_Festival).[12]

The film also received positive notices from the science fiction community. It was nominated for the [Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation](/source/Hugo_Award_for_Best_Dramatic_Presentation)[42] and the [Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films](/source/Academy_of_Science_Fiction,_Fantasy_and_Horror_Films) awarded it the [Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film](/source/Saturn_Award_for_Best_Science_Fiction_Film) at the [22nd Saturn Awards](/source/22nd_Saturn_Awards). Pitt and Weiss won awards at the ceremony as well; Gilliam, [Bruce Willis](/source/Bruce_Willis), [Madeleine Stowe](/source/Madeleine_Stowe), and writers [David](/source/David_Peoples) and [Janet Peoples](/source/Janet_Peoples) also received nominations.[43]

## Television series

Main article: [12 Monkeys (TV series)](/source/12_Monkeys_(TV_series))

On August 26, 2013, *[Entertainment Weekly](/source/Entertainment_Weekly)* announced that [Syfy](/source/Syfy) was developing a [*12 Monkeys* television series](/source/12_Monkeys_(TV_series)) based on the film. Production began in November 2013. The [pilot](/source/Television_pilot) was written by [Terry Matalas](/source/Terry_Matalas) and Travis Fickett, who had previously written for the series *[Terra Nova](/source/Terra_Nova_(TV_series))*. Due to the series being labeled as "cast contingent", the series did not move forward until the roles of Cole and Goines were cast.[44] In April 2014, Syfy [green-lit](/source/Greenlight) the first season, which consisted of 13 episodes, including the pilot filmed in 2013. The series premiered on January 16, 2015.[45] On March 12, 2015, the series was renewed for a second season that began airing in April 2016.[46] Actress Madeleine Stowe made an appearance in one Season 2 episode, being the only cast member of the film to appear on the series.[47] On June 29, 2016, the series was renewed for a 10-episode third season, set to premiere in 2017.[48] The third season aired over three consecutive nights, from May 19 to May 21, 2017. A fourth and final season was announced on March 16, 2017. The eleven-episode fourth season ran from June 15 to July 6, 2018.[49]

## References

1. Gerston, Jill (December 24, 1995). ["FILM; Terry Gilliam: Going Mainstream (Sort Of)"](https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/24/movies/film-terry-gilliam-going-mainstream-sort-of.html). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230404035132/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/24/movies/film-terry-gilliam-going-mainstream-sort-of.html) April 4, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 7, 2023.

1. "12 Monkeys". 0114746. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230131163458/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0114746/) January 31, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 7, 2023.

1. Nashawaty (July 28, 2006). ["They Call Him Mr. Pitch"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131016103131/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1219922_1,00.html). *[Entertainment Weekly](/source/Entertainment_Weekly)*. Archived from [the original](https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,1219922_1,00.html) on October 16, 2013. Retrieved April 10, 2012.

1. DVD production notes

1. Ian Christie & Terry Gilliam (1999). [*Gilliam on Gilliam*](https://archive.org/details/gilliamongilliam0000gill/page/220). London: [Faber and Faber](/source/Faber_and_Faber). pp. [220–225](https://archive.org/details/gilliamongilliam0000gill/page/220). ISBN 0-571-20280-2.

1. ["Terry Gilliam interview: Zero Theorem, Twitter, 12 Monkeys"](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/terry-gilliam-interview-zero-theorem-twitter-12-monkeys/). 14 March 2014.

1. *Gilliam on Gilliam,* Christie, Gilliam, pp.226–230

1. [Terry Gilliam](/source/Terry_Gilliam), [Charles Roven](/source/Charles_Roven), DVD [audio commentary](/source/Audio_commentary), 1998, [Universal Home Video](/source/Universal_Home_Video).

1. *Gilliam on Gilliam* edited by Ian Christie. Faber and Faber, 1999. Page 73.

1. ["The oral history of 12 Monkeys, Terry Gilliam's time travel masterpiece"](https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/12-monkeys-oral-history). 20 February 2024.

1. Jeff Gordinier (May 19, 1995). ["Brass Bald"](https://ew.com/article/1995/05/19/bruce-willis-proves-he-exudes-testosterone/). *[Entertainment Weekly](/source/Entertainment_Weekly)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201223203919/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,297297,00.html) December 23, 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2012-04-10.

1. Christie, Gilliam, pp. 231–233

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## Further reading

- da Conceição, Ricky Fernandes (March 22, 2020). ["Terry Gilliam's '12 Monkeys' is More Relevant Than Ever"](https://goombastomp.com/terry-gilliams-12-monkeys-is-more-relevant-than-ever/). goombastomp.com. Retrieved June 6, 2020.

## External links

- [Official website](https://www.universalpicturesathome.com/movies/12-monkeys)
- [12 Monkeys](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114746/) at IMDb
- [*12 Monkeys* script](https://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/twelve_monkeys.html) at DailyScript.com
- [12 Monkeys](https://www.behavenet.com/movie/12-monkeys) at BehaveNet (Movies)

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [12 Monkeys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12_Monkeys) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12_Monkeys?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.