12 Angry Men Analysis

Movie Analysis

In the film 12 Angry Men, we are shown the interaction between twelve strangers as they are given the responsibility of deciding justice in a court case. The interactions take place in a singular location, the deliberation room of a New York City courtroom. One of the first communications shown is the initial vote for guilty verses not guilty. This first round of voting shows quantitative communication, in that each juror simply states a yay or nay opinion without any additional exchange. As the movie progresses, you can see the change in dialogue turn from quantitative to qualitative as each juror shares his thoughts and questions regarding the trial, and ultimately, the innocence of the accused.

In juror number two, we are introduced to a meek, timid man who is easily persuaded to the opinions of others, as we watch him flip flop in his decision making process. He is dependant on other’s views to make his own, and as such, cannot explain the roots of his opinions. This character seems to represent a communicator who lacks self understanding and value, and as such, does not project a strong sense of identity when he communicates. He has an inferiority complex when addressed by other jurors and is easily bullied into leaving his opinion, as he searches for the acceptance of the other jurors. Our textbook would suggest this character’s personality trails might be deep-seated, stemming from when he was a child, and reflects the identity process of reflected appraisal, in which one develops a self-concept that reflects the way he believes other’s see him.

In contrast to juror two, juror nine is a mild, older man in the later part of life. This man, while gentle mannered, has firmness in his statements and thoughts that comes from a security in knowing him self and confidence to present his opinion. He has reached a point in his life that he is able to hold his view, although it did take the leadership of juror eight to enable...