The film
12 Angry Men
Jason Lovett
MBA 611
Richard Devos School of Business Management
Northwood University
Executive Summary
The Movie "Twelve Angry Men" is the ultimate example of a group of people forced to interact in order to reach a single, defined goal. The jury, which consists of 12 men, must deliberate until a unanimous decision is reached. In this specific example, which takes place in a New York courthouse, the decision holds the life of an 18 year old in the balance. The movie is presented in a manner that allows the viewer to be the invisible jury member and sit in as they deliberate the fate of the defendant. The first vote is 11 to 1, finding the defendant guilty. The 12 men ride a rollercoaster of emotions as it finally ends in a unanimous decision. Throughout the paper I will analyze and elaborate on relationships and personalities that arise throughout the groups interactions. The report will follow the group as each person is forced to deal with one another. Ultimately I will explain how and why they arrived at the surprising verdict that they do.
Introduction
The case is one in which an 18 year old is charged with murder in the first degree for the death of his father, by way of stabbing him. The viewer is privy to no direct testimony of any kind. We are educated through the deliberations of the jurors as they discuss the case. The judge is quick to point out just how severe the punishment will be for such a charge and reminds the jurors that the decision of guilty must be found so that there is not a single bit of doubt. Once informed as to what their duties are, the two alternate jurors are dismissed and the remaining twelve men are shown into a small conference room. The room is so that there is a single table in the center surrounded by chairs along with a few chairs randomly placed against the wall. The room is filled with a drab sense of emptiness with three windows opening to the view of the city. The jury