The Humanist Cinema of Sidney Lumet

Corruption, racism, moral decline – these were the themes that American director Sidney Lumet explored in his films. Lumet created entertainment in the first place, but never just entertainment. Lumet’s films are thought provoking examinations of modern society.

The combination of amusement and social engagement was already evident in Lumet’s feature film debut, 12 Angry Men (1958), an iconic courtroom drama in which a white jury deliberates on the verdict of a Puerto Rican defendant. With films like Dog Day Afternoon (1975) and Network (1976), Lumet delivered sharp critiques of the media that have only grown more relevant over time.

Alongside the classics, we also showcase lesser known works such as The Pawnbroker (1964), one of the first American films about the Holocaust; Fail Safe (1964), a Cold War thriller starring Henry Fonda as the U.S. President while the world is on the brink of nuclear war; and King: A Filmed Record… Montgomery to Memphis (1970), a long-lost documentary about Martin Luther King Jr.

Sidney Lumet (1924–2011) was an extraordinarily prolific filmmaker, with more than forty titles to his name. Yet Lumet always remained somewhat of an outsider in the American film industry. He steered clear of Hollywood, preferring to shoot on location in his hometown of New York. Lumet left his mark on film history not so much with a showy style, but with exceptional craftsmanship and a raw, realist approach to cinema. He was renowned as a masterful director of actors, bringing out the best in stars like Henry Fonda, Al Pacino, and Faye Dunaway.

Lumet’s outsider position was highlighted by the fact that he never received an Oscar for any of his films. This omission was corrected in 2005, when he was awarded an Oscar for his lifetime achievement.

While the goal of all movies is to entertain, the kind of film in which I believe goes one step further. It compels the spectator to examine one facet or another of his own conscience. It stimulates thought and sets the mental juices flowing

Sidney Lumet