There's very little I can add regarding 12 Years a Slave that hasn't already been said ad-nauseum or that doesn't just involve me sitting slack-jawed, unable to come up with a single word. Since the latter example won't do this review much good, I'll have to give it another shot. Here goes nothing. 12 Years a Slave is an absolute masterpiece. It is a devastating, emotionally draining experience and one of the more difficult films I've seen in recent memory. Despite this, I couldn't for a single moment tear myself away from watching. It's completely mesmerizing.
Based on the true memoirs of its main character, 12 Years a Slave tells the tale of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man living with his wife and children in Saratoga, New York. After being promised solid work in Washington, D.C. by a pair of seemingly upstanding individuals, he is drugged and sold into slavery. After being sent to New Orleans, he is sold from master to master and undergoes horrific hardships, paying personal witness to some of the most appalling travesties the human race has ever been subjected to. During this time period, he struggles to break free of his bonds and return home to his family, all the while attempting to keep his hope and will to live intact under truly horrendous circumstances.
As I'm sure I've already made clear, it's incredibly difficult for me to put into words exactly how powerful and moving this film is. Steve McQueen, with only his third feature film, secures his place as one of the very best filmmakers working in this day and age. His unflinching direction makes for an unforgettable viewing experience. Technically, 12 Years a Slave is flawless. The cinematography of Sean Bobbitt is magnificent, evoking the blistering heat of each hellish day Solomon must suffer through. His lens captures the impeccable details of Adam Stockhausen's expert production design in addition to the appalling events on display here. And, to top it all off, Hans Zimmer accentuates these images with one of the finest scores of 2013.
The talent in front of the camera is equally stunning. Chiwetel Ejiofor leads the incredible cast with his performance as Solomon. It could very well be the best performance of 2013. Supporting performances are equally strong with Michael Fassbender being a particular standout as the sadistic and truly hideous plantation owner Edwin Epps. This character is easily one of the most despicable since Ralph Fiennes' Amon Goeth from Schindler's List and Fassbender is remarkable and terrifying in the role. Lupita Nyong'o gives a heart wrenching performance as Patsey, a female slave subject to all manner of unspeakable horrors at the hands of Epps. Benedict Cumberbatch offers some respite as kindhearted slave owner William Ford and Paul Dano gives yet another superb turn as the malicious Tibeats.
CONCLUSION: It's no surprise that 12 Years a Slave has found itself on the top of so many best-of-the-year lists; it is undoubtedly one of the most powerful motion pictures ever made and one of the very finest I've ever had the pleasure (or displeasure?) of seeing. It's imperative that you see it as soon as possible!!
FINAL RATING: 5/5
No comments:
Post a Comment