30 years ago, 12 Monkeys warned us about global pandemics and information overload

30 years ago, 12 Monkeys warned us about global pandemics and information overload

We haven’t quite caught up with the future of 12 Monkeys just yet. The Terry Gilliam-directed movie extends as far as around 2035, 40 years after its Dec. 29, 1995 release, and still another decade off from this, its 30th anniversary. But maybe we’ll catch up soon. In 12 Monkeys, a virus is strategically released in 1996 and quickly wipes out much of the world’s population. Survivors are forced underground, sending imprisoned “volunteers” to the uninhabited surface to collect samples. Our closest equivalent is the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020 and has since been mitigated but not exactly beaten. Given the speed of its spread, the next one probably still has time.

4 Comments

  1. bahringer.lorenzo

    This is an interesting reflection on how “12 Monkeys” foresaw issues we still face today. It’s amazing how art can resonate with real-world challenges over such a long period. The film’s themes feel more relevant than ever!

  2. kasandra.rippin

    I completely agree! It’s fascinating how the film not only predicted pandemics but also highlighted the challenges of deciphering truth in a world flooded with information. It makes you wonder how our relationship with media will evolve as we face these ongoing issues.

  3. nathaniel.ruecker

    the dangers of misinformation. It’s interesting to see how relevant those themes remain today, especially with the rise of social media. The film really serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking in our information-driven world.

  4. justine.kassulke

    Absolutely, the film’s exploration of misinformation feels even more pressing now, especially with the rise of social media. It highlights how easily narratives can be distorted and the importance of critical thinking in an age of information overload.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *