12 Monkeys (1995)

Year 2035 and prisoner {of what, I don't know} James Cole (Bruce Willis) reluctantly volunteers to go back in time to discover the origin of a death pathogen that wiped out Earth's population years earlier.  His time warp is error proned and his trip to 1996 turns out to be 1990.  In the 90s he's nothing but mental ward nominee and is quickly confined as such.  There he befriends Dr. Kailly (Madeline Stowe){whatever happened to her?} and son (Brad Pitt) of the virus' inventor (beautifully played by the distinguised Christopher Plummer)

To be honest, I kinda hate 12 Monkeys.  Terry Gilliam's sci-fi fantasy blows my mind--often times not making the connections I need.  The plot is frustrated for those slow on the uptake.  The only catalyst for not really hating it are the amazing performances by Willis, Stowe, Plummer, and particularly one young Brad Pitt.  They are fascinating to watch.  I suppose the movie is too. 

Pitt as an idealistic, schizo-prone crusader is fascinating.  He shows great command in this role and creates a multi-faceted character.  Willis' frustration as Cole is palpable.  As I mentioned earlier, Christopher Plummer is practically regal in this supporting role.

But... and it's a big one... what in the Hades is going on Terry Gilliam?!  I 'get' the overall plot, but I'm uncertain that we arrived a sufficient ending or that we properly executed the events leading up to the anticlimatic ending.  There is too much chaos and randomness for anyone to take hold of anything.

12 Monkeys, as I see it, is sometimes contrived and quite possibly could lead to madness.  For those willing to take the chance, you will be rewarded with Brad Pitt's stellar performance (and a really interesting setting in the mental hospital), but nothing else.