Monday, March 31, 2014

12 Years A Slave (2013) Review


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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