The twelve monkeys - confusing, to say the least

This clever, perhaps confusing masterpiece is completely unique. Never have I seen such a thought-provoking film as this one.

The whole film can be summarised in one logical statement - time cannot be altered. It starts at the end and finishes at the beginning. Confused? I was.

The film starts with a recurring dream of James Cole's (Bruce Willis), a memory from when he was a child, although explaining this dream would ruin the plot for anyone who has not already seen it. It is set in the future, where, after a lethal virus was released in 1997 wiping out the majority of the world's population, the world is forced to live underground while animals roam the earth's surface. Cole is a volunteer sent back in time to before the virus was released to find out what he can about 'The army of the twelve monkeys', who are supposed to have released it.

The film contains probably the best performance of Brad Pitt's career, as the clinically insane leader of the twelve monkeys, and includes other fantastic performances from Madeleine Stowe and, of course, Bruce Willis.

Ex Monty Python comedian Terry Gilliam shows exceptional directorial skills and turns the film into a work of art.

I did find things difficult to figure out the first time I saw this, but after a second time, things became crystal clear, and I was able to appreciate the thought that must have gone into writing the original script.

Twelve Monkeys is one of my favourite films, although the wacky logic is perhaps an acquired taste. Still, I recommend you give this one a try.