by Joseph Rossi
12 Years A Slave is a powerful experience. This is one of the most honest and brutal films about slavery I have ever seen. Indie director Steve McQueen takes a leap into the big leagues with this awards contender that will be long remembered as one of the premier films of this crucial part of American History.
Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is living a comfortable life with his young family in New York State when he is kidnapped and sold into slavery. He is shipped to rural Louisiana. Branded with a new name and identity, the shackled, shaken and naïve Solomon still believes that he can attain his freedom. His faith in human decency is put to the test after the constant horrors he endures and all the chances of freedom slip him by.
Steven McQueen has been an indie darling since he made Hunger in 2008 and Shame in 2011. With a larger budget and a more sprawling story one would think he’d fall in line within the mainstream. Here, his work reminds me of an early Terrance Malik. He uses moments of extremes to put us into the shoes of this man, or more importantly, makes us feel what it was like to live without hope. One scene that still lingers is a long uncut take of a lashing that had the audience in tears. He stays on the brutality, forcing us to not look away.
The acting is top notch. Chiwetel Ejiofor, who has been making the rounds for years, finally gets a part that showcases his talents. His Northup will make its way to the awards circuit for sure. Michael Fassbender fires on all cylinders as a sadistic slave owner. Brad Pitt, Paul Dano, Alfre Woodard and Paul Giamatti all show up and do good work. The films standout is Lupita Nyong’o. Her performance as Patsy, one of Northup’s companions and the object of Fassbender’s disgusting affections, is nothing short of amazing. Expect her name to come up a few times in the coming months.
This is an important film. It doesn’t whitewash history. This is – or was – history. It is to be seen and talked about. Don’t miss it.
