Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave is a gripping and brutal film detailing the story of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free man living a successful and happy life in liberal state of New York during 1820s, who was abducted and sold into bondage where he spent 12 years as a slave.
It's a pretty simple premise vividly brought to life by Steve Mcqueen, who infuses this brutality with a cinematic beauty that I have not seen for years. The cinematography is nothing short of spectacular, acting as an emotional counterpoint that sensitizes the audiences to the brutal treatment. In addition, the use (or non-use) of sound adds real drama to the unfolding events. Ejiofor is outstanding as Northup, truly bringing to life the pathos of a man who must submit to injustice in order to survive and see his family again. Michael Fassbender and Benedict Cumberbatch bring different sensitivities to their portrayals of the owners, but it is Fassbender's characterization of the cruel Epps that really brings home the insane sense of possession that Slave owner's felt over their property.
The film has widely been praised and is a front runner to sweep the Academy Awards. I feel that these kudos are well deserved.
Highly Recommended.
Highly Recommended.
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