Twelve Monkeys by Terry Gilliam Essay Example

when he is sent on a mission by the scientist. The quest promises him a pardon reward, causing him to enter a state of disequilibrium. However, this movie differs from all of Todorov's theories because it jumps back in time and does not follow chronological order.

Even though Cole is a criminal, the film portrays him as the "hero" and places emphasis on his character. The audience develops an affinity towards him since he is depicted in a positive manner as the main protagonist. At the start of the movie, it becomes apparent that he is the young child from the dream who witnesses a man being shot.

Reading about this person's experience was heartbreaking. It is evident that he witnessed a traumatic event. Upon seeing his attire, one might assume that he is a prisoner, as the neighboring man in the cage is dressed identically. The futuristic appearance of his clothing further emphasizes this notion. His confinement within the cage highlights his entrapment in this world, suggesting a low societal status. The fact that he was "volunteered" by a higher power only reinforces this sentiment.

As a viewer, I sympathize with Cole because the scientists have destabilized him by sending him on a mission. The scientists are portrayed in an unfavorable light, which is accentuated by their white coats, a symbol of authority, that makes the audience dislike them.

As a viewer, when the scientists speak to Cole disrespectfully, it creates a negative perception of them. There is tension when Cole enters the room and all eyes are on him, causing the viewer to feel uncomfortable. However, Dr. Kathryn Railly could be seen as the protagonist

while Cole is the antagonist in her life, as her perspective on him shifts throughout the film. Kathryn is portrayed as intelligent through her appearance at an art exhibition where she looks professional and attractive.

The smart and attractive Kathryn is a criminal psychologist who meets Cole when he is mistakenly arrested after being sent back in time and thought to be insane. Kathryn attempts to assist him in this crime thriller sequence, which lacks any science fiction elements. The police station setting reinforces this placement in the film's storyline.

In the future, the world is portrayed as a Dystopia, where people who survived the virus reside underground. Despite being released from prison, Cole remains trapped due to the poor air quality on the surface. The recurring theme is of the world being inhospitable towards human habitation.

Although Cole travels through time, he discovers that the world still has unpleasant individuals. This is a typical concept in science fiction movies, where certain films portray a dystopian tomorrow. The genre can often be identified by the mise en scene, as seen in Cole's attire or the elevated camera shots of the penitentiary. Prior to venturing outdoors, Cole wears a space suit and his living quarters are equipped with advanced gadgets like different clothing items and various objects.

As Cole walks through the tunnel, he's greeted with shooting smoke that implies that he's being sterilized and when he exits and the smoke dissipates, it gives off a futuristic vibe. The sewers appear as if it's raining, making the world seem like a dismal place. Upon leaving the underground, Cole is met with falling snow and an absence of

people around.

The futuristic gadgets present in the case held by Cole contribute to a sci-fi genre and evoke a sense of loneliness in the world. Upon entering the abandoned shopping centre, the presence of cobwebs and lack of recent activity creates an atmosphere indicative of a futuristic setting.

Cole feels trapped both physically and emotionally. The virus has imprisoned him underground, and even when outside in his space suit, he is hindered by the virus in the air, leaving him lonely and confined. Upon returning underground, he must be cleaned and tested for the virus. The futuristic equipment used in the prison and the rooms with scientists adds to the overall genre of the story.