There hasn’t been a film like this in quite some time. One
where there is no negative criticism I can give to its direction, writing,
performances, music, costumes, production design. Everything about this film is
simply perfect. It’s not always easy to write a review for such a film. I feel
I must limit the review to a certain length but there is not enough I could
possibly say to express my admiration and respect for such a profoundly moving
and well-made film. If I could I would go on for an inordinately long time
about it.
Based on the book of the same name the film tells the true
story of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man living in upstate
New York who is kidnapped by two men and sold into slavery. His name is taken
and replaced with Platt. Taken against his will to the south he is first sold
by Theophilus Freeman (Paul Giamatti) to William Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch)
who is by all accounts a good, kind man despite being a slaver. After an
incident with an overseer (Paul Dano) Solomon is resold, for his protection, to
one Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender). Epps is the polar opposite of Ford. He is
a sadistic, brutal drunk. He has no qualms about treating his slaves how he
sees fit including whipping and beating Northup and a young slave named Patsey
(Lupita Nyong’o) who is the “favored” slave of Epps. Northup eventually, after
many failed attempts, is able to get a letter to friends in the north with the
help of a sympathetic Canadian (Brad Pitt) and is re-granted his freedom.
Every single performance in this film is flawless. Ejiofor’s
subtleties are all there in his face. He hits every single note and emotion
required perfectly creating a truly powerful, emotional and exquisite
performance. You believe every second and see every thought the character has
because of this. The final moments of the film in which he is re-united with
his famliy are among the most angry, heart wrenchingly powerful moments I have
ever seen. Fassbender is especially terrifying. He throws himself into the role
and is captivating in every sense of the word. The man’s ability to perform so
well with his eyes is something I haven’t seen since Claude Rains. He continues
to impress me and is always at the top of form. This is no exception. Nyong’o (in
her film debut) proves she has the acting chops to keep on par with Ejiofor and
Fassbender. She creates a character that is both hopeful and broken. She will
have a very long and successful career with performances like this one.
Director Steve McQueen is proving himself a master of the
uncomfortable. His style is to force you to watch a series of horrific acts and
he pulls no punches. He is a director who wants to make you uncomfortable and
never gives the audience an emotional release until the end of the film. This
is something that reminds me of the work of Stanley Kubrick. It’s not
disturbing for the sake of being disturbing. It’s difficult to watch because he
wants to make you uncomfortable. This man is an artist and one of the best
directors working today and his films affect the audience in ways I am sure
they are not prepared for. I certainly was not prepared to be reduced to tears
as I was when the lights came up.
This is the best film of the year. Unflinchingly brutal and
honest but an important film and essential for anyone and everyone.
★★★★
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