An Exceptional Film; the Best of 2013

Rating: 9/10 (19 July 2014)

I can't remember the last time I've watched a movie as powerful as Steve McQueen's 12 YEARS A SLAVE. It's an epic film bringing to life the horrors of American slavery in the nineteenth century. We learn about the atrocities in school but it doesn't quite deliver the message as well as witnessing them with our own eyes. The plight of early African Americans has been covered in countless other films but McQueen's film has a level of authenticity I don't know that I've seen before. It's a period piece that spared no expense in bringing the plantation-era South to life and it's filled to the brim with brilliant cast. It's based on the true story of Solomon Northup (portrayed in the film by Chiwetel Ejiofor) though, as is the case with any true-life film stories, I couldn't tell you how accurate the events might be. Solomon was born a free man in the North and was living a successful life with his wife and children in New York when he was kidnapped and smuggled to New Orleans to be sold as a slave. Over the course of the next twelve years, Solomon would experience horrors no man should endure and fight to maintain his humanity when treated as nothing more than personal property. He starts on a plantation with the kind-hearted Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch) but circumstances force him into the employ of the cruel Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender). Epps and his wife are evil incarnate with total disregard for the lives of their slaves, frequently utilizing humiliation and brutal punishment to crush their spirits. With hopes of reunification with his family in the North, Solomon must scheme to regain his freedom while remaining under the nose of his violent, alcoholic owner.
The production value in this film is phenomenal. I seriously hope the production team won a bundle of awards for their work on this film. Everything feels so authentic, from the costumes to the set design. And the cinematography of Sean Bobbitt is absolutely gorgeous, giving an element of beauty to a world filled with pain and suffering. I can't believe this movie was made for a mere $20 million. There are movies that cost four times as much and don't look half as good as this one. There was a tremendous amount of respect infused into the creation of 12 YEARS A SLAVE and it shines through. Respect is probably the most important trait a filmmaker needs when covering a subject as delicate as slavery in the United States. Remember, relatively speaking, it hasn't been that long since slavery was abolished in America and the ripples of the severe mistreatment of African Americans continues to affect our society even now. You don't want to overindulge in the wrong aspects of the subject matter for fear of becoming an exploitation film (unless you're Quentin Tarantino and you're directing DJANGO UNCHAINED, but that man's a master of revenge exploitation films). If you aim to break the audiences' hearts with tales of real-life cruelty, I imagine it's a fine balance of presenting the brutal violence and juxtaposing it with the unwavering strength of the protagonist in the face of it all without going overboard on one of the other out of fear that the film might a) exploit the suffering of others or b) preach a message as opposed to giving the audience an emotional experience.
I can't imagine the nerve it requires to accept a role in a film such as this one. There are no good roles here, but they're all fantastic performances. No one wants to be the whip-cracking slave owner or the poor soul on the receiving end. I'm sure there was nothing easy about of it and the experience of creating this film will probably remain with its cast for a good long time. Everyone was exceptional here. Chitewel Ejiofor gave the performance of his lifetime with the role of Solomon Northup. Solomon is a strong soul and, while he wavers at times, he never loses hope that he might some day return to his normal life. He witnesses the most horrific acts of violence against his fellow slaves, and falls victim a few times himself, and he does so each time knowing that he's helpless to stop it. I agree that Matthew McConaughey did a fantastic job in DALLAS BUYERS CLUB but Ejiofor was robbed of the Academy Award for this film. The man deserved it. Recognition was given to Lupita Nyong'o for her supporting role as Patsey, Epp's prized possession. Ejiofor had it rough as Solomon but no one had it as bad as Nyong'o. Her character is the most tragic in the film. Patsey is the object of Epp's desires (to the resentment of his wife) and he's also the target for the most horrific abuse as a result. She's a broken woman and you know once the credits roll that her character would not have a happy ending. Michael Fassbender gives another standout performance as Epps and you nearly don't recognize him. It was hard to imagine Fassbender in such a hate-fueled performance but, man, he delivers. He's scary good.
The rest of the cast is populated with exceptional talent. Paul Giamatti, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Alfre Woodard, Brad Pitt, and more fill out the expansive cast and everyone delivers their A-game. 12 YEARS A SLAVE is an exceptional film and the best of the year. It's engaging and powerful and sure to have an effect on even the hardest of hearts. Considering the subject matter, you should know to be mindful that this film can be painful to watch but it's an easy recommendation from me.