Posted by Travis on June 17, 1999 at 18:41:30:
Here goes:
Juror # 1 (Martin Balsam): 2 / 1 wing
Juror # 2 (John Fielding): 2 / 1 wing
Juror # 3 (Lee J. Cobb): 8 / 7 wing
Juror # 4 (E.G. Marshall): 5 / 6 wing
Juror # 5 (Jack Klugman): 4 / 5 wing
Juror # 6 ('painter'): 6 / 5 wing
Juror # 7 (Jack Warden): 7 / 8 wing
Juror # 8 (Henry Fonda): 1 / 9 wing
Juror # 9 ('old man'): 2 / 3 wing
Juror #10 (Ed Begley): 8 / 9 wing
Juror #11 ('watchmaker'): 5 / 4 wing
Juror #12 (Robert Webber): 3 / 2 wing
E1:
Fonda's character ("Juror #8") is the only one who votes 'not guilty' in the beginning. He realizes that all the T's are not crossed nor all the I's dotted. He insists gently (9 wing) that they review the case further. He doesn't want to risk making a serious error, and he sees the job before them as more important than his own concerns. (Fonda himself struck me as a 9 with a 1 wing, so this sort of role was a cakewalk for him.)
E2:
Balsam's character ("Juror #1") is a P.E. teacher who takes on the role of Jury Foreman. He clearly wishes to be deeply engaged in the lives of others, to make a difference and be appreciated for it, but he believes in the rules (1 wing), and it doesn't take too long to convince him that things aren't so clear-cut.
Fielding's character ("Juror #2") is given short shrift in this film, character-wise, but his gentle way, soft voice and ameliorating manner seems to give him a 2 sheen. He also cares about justice (1 wing).
The old man ("Juror #9") who sides with Fonda early just seems glad to be there among others, helping out, being useful. He is full of compassion for any and all. His smile and blithe manner seem practiced (3 wing).
E3:
Webber's character ("Juror #3") is a slick, well-dressed, happy-go-lucky, young executive, avoiding conflict and keeping things light. He seems to be used to admiration and he likes being liked (2 wing).
E4:
Klugman's character ("Juor #5") is a quiet fellow from a bad part of town. He's hurt by another's remark, revealing that he remains sensitive despite his rough upbringing. His rapt listening marks his 5 wing.
E5:
Marshall's character ("Juror #4"), the eloquent, bespectacled, button-down fellow who never sweats is Fonda's intellectual opposition. He's tallied up the facts quite neatly and presents them persuasively enough, but his mild disdain for these proceedings (and his fellows, it seems) clouds his thinking and leads him to determinism (a trap for 5's). His 6 wing adds quite a bit of stubbornness and disgust for the accused.
The watchmaker ("Juror #11") -- one who approaches his craft with skill and artistry (4 wing) -- is an early confederate of Fonda's. Unlike Marshall, this foreigner comes in with no prejudice but a keen understanding of how prejudice poisons mind. He provides crucial data with some dramatic flair.
E6:
The painter ("Juror #6") seems an uncertain yet easygoing fellow until he sees the old man disrespected, whereafter he becomes threatening. He'd like things to be easy, but would prefer the truth above all (5 wing).
E7:
Warden's character ("Juror #7") is a fidgety loud-mouth who isn't having enough fun to justify this overheated ordeal. Superficial and uncaring, he just wants to get it over with. His 8 wing lends a sharp edge to his lightheartedness.
E8:
Cobb's character ("Juror #3") is a brawny, pushy scowler who wants to see the accused hanged. Not only will he not tolerate dissent, he aggressively pursues a 'guilty' verdict despite all the reasonable doubts. He never relents; he only exhausts himself with rage, having transferred his disappointment with his own son to the accused youth. I'd say he has a 7 wing, which propels him to swift resolutions.
Begley's character ("Juror #10") is the classic "mean, old man". His face and voice epitomize scorn. Yet his 9 wing makes him more bitter complainer than active aggressor. His bigotry shames him in one of the more affecting moments of the film.
The only type not fully characterized is the 9 (except Fonda and Begley's 9 wings), however, there seems to be a 9ish glow about the entire picture. Juries sit quietly and listen while others argue, then the jurors (a 9ish role) retire to a room to deliberate with strangers, which can make anyone shy. Ideologically, a juror is the "everyman".
What do you think? Jan?