12 Monkeys, directed by Terry Gilliam, depicts a story about time-travel. Cole, the lead actor, volunteers to go back in time to help prevent the spread of a virus. During its journey, viewers can understand the idea of ​​surveillance, mental illness, and the use of technology and how this affects how viewers perceive the film as a whole and how it affects society today 'today. By understanding how surveillance, mental illness, and technology are used in 12 Monkeys, viewers will be able to understand how repetitive these issues are in today's society. Additionally, readers will be able to understand in depth how the director illustrated these ideas in the film (i.e. repetition of scenes, language used, etc.). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay At the beginning of the film, Cole is forced to be admitted to a mental institution. Cole, who is not mentally ill, is confused and tries to make the workers understand that he is not actually "crazy". However, he is ignored and placed with other truly mentally ill people. In this scene he meets Jeffrey Goines who is the leader of the 12 Monkeys, who viewers will learn about later. Jeffrey begins to show Cole around and says some of the following: We play games that make you tired...phone call? it's communication with the outside world... I'm not saying you're mentally ill, although you may be crazy, but that's not why you're here, you're here because of the system” (12 Monkeys). the scene illustrates a huge theme for the entire film. The idea of ​​surveillance and mental illness emerges from this scene. Jeffery seems to be aware of this "institution" (psychiatric institution) and what it does to people and he accepts it. The people in the mental institution are brainwashed into thinking that they are a threat to the outside world and that they belong where they are. People placed in these institutions do not have the possibility of leaving these places. Most importantly, the director created a scene that shows how the government (and even those in power) have authority over the lives of others. Additionally, when Jeffery brings up the idea of ​​being part of a "system" and there being virtually no way out, many people would be able to agree that the "system" is relevant in the world of 'Today. Of course, “system” can be interpreted in any number of ways, such as “prison system,” “education system,” and many more. The idea of ​​“system” may bring to mind certain government controls (as mentioned above). It's no coincidence that Terry includes these types of ideas about how human beings will always be classified under some sort of "system." For the sake of the film, the “system” Jeffery was referring to was about the institution. This does not, however, change the way people perceive the word "system" because, like in the film, there is no way out of it. Terry Gilliam was able to create a successful plot through the use of his dialect. He used words like “system,” which is essentially a word open to discussion. In addition, the staging makes the audience understand that people stuck in these psychiatric establishments have no way out. They become part of the system. Likewise, people can agree.