Comparing Le Jetee, the short, and 12 Monkeys, the full-length movie

 After watching 12 Monkeys and La Jetée, my first takeaway is the stark difference in how the two stories are presented, yet how they both share core themes around time travel, memory, and the fragility of human existence. La Jetée, as a short film, relies heavily on still images to evoke emotion, and this choice creates a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere that is both captivating and haunting. The minimalistic approach allows the audience to focus on the emotional weight of the protagonist’s journey, which is communicated primarily through the narration and powerful visuals. On the other hand, 12 Monkeys, the feature-length film, uses live-action sequences to create a more dynamic and immersive experience. The full-length version builds on the foundation laid by La Jetée but adds layers of action, character development, and a more complex narrative structure.

Watching the video helped me understand how both mediums use their respective tools—still images in the short versus live-action in the feature—to convey similar thematic messages in different ways. The video also highlighted the challenges and opportunities inherent in each medium. For example, La Jetée’s simplicity and reliance on visuals and narration created an immediate emotional impact, while 12 Monkeys uses a more traditional narrative structure to elaborate on character psychology and world-building. This contrast got me thinking about how we could apply some of these strategies to our own short film. Using minimalism and focusing on evocative imagery, like La Jetée, could enhance the emotional power of our project, especially when time is limited. In terms of our short film, it shows me how we can use visuals effectively to communicate a deeper narrative with minimal exposition.

Part 2: Article Takeaways

The article on 12 Monkeys and La Jetée further cemented the idea that both films explore the same central themes, but each tackles those themes in a distinct way. One of the most interesting points the article makes is about the role of memory and perception. La Jetée is about a man who is haunted by a memory of a woman from his past, while 12 Monkeys takes this theme and elaborates on the complexities of time travel and how memories can shape our reality. The article also points out how the short’s limited format allows for a more focused, almost poetic examination of its themes, whereas the feature film expands on this with a more intricate narrative and character arcs that give context to the abstract ideas in the short.

The article provided valuable insight into the strengths of each format—La Jetée’s ability to evoke deep emotion with few elements, versus 12 Monkeys’ ability to flesh out a fully realized world and characters, making it accessible to a broader audience. For our own short film, this comparison reinforces the importance of focusing on one central theme or emotion and using every visual element to communicate that message clearly. The full-length film provides a good reminder that character development and backstory, though difficult to develop in a short film, can enrich the experience and give the audience a fuller understanding of the themes at play.

The key takeaway from both the video and the article is the importance of choosing the right medium to tell the story you want to tell. In our short film process, we’ll need to carefully consider how to balance visuals, narration, and action to ensure that our themes resonate with the audience in a short amount of time. We can apply the lessons learned from La Jetée and 12 Monkeys to our own work by focusing on creating strong visual imagery that speaks volumes in a limited amount of time, while also considering how elements like sound and narration can complement the story without overwhelming it. The article and video have given us a deeper understanding of how to tell a rich, layered story within the constraints of a short film, which will be essential as we move forward in the creative process.