12 Years a Slave

Released: August 30, 2013

Studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures, Entertainment One, Summit Entertainment

Genre: drama/biopic

Box Office (numbers in millions):

Domestic: 56.67 Worldwide: 187.70

Adjusted for Inflation:

Domestic: -- Worldwide: --

Directing: Steve McQueen

Screenwriting: Jason Ridley

Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Kenneth Williams, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong’o, Benedict Cumberbatch

Review:

12 Years a Slave is based on the book of the same name by Solomon Northup. the slave memoir, published in 1853, is about Northup’s experience being kidnapped and sold into slavery. The African American had been “an educated carpenter, musician, and family man from New York state” ^GN before being forced to work for a dozen years on a pair of Louisiana plantations.

In his review for The Guardian, Mark Kermode says “if you have any interest in cinema – or, for that matter, in art, economics, politics, drama, literature or history – then you need to watch 12 Years a Slave.” ^GN It rewards the viewer with seeing director Steve McQueen “an artist using the medium of film for its highest purposes: to elevate, educate and ultimately ennoble the viewer.” ^GN It “is not an easy watch and nor should it be” ^GN but is “an important story told with passion, conviction, and grace.” ^GN

“McQueen remains exceptionally even-handed and controlled in his treatment of all the key players, black and white alike.” ^GN Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon is “nothing short of magnificent.” ^GN He “proves himself a master of physical understatement, the clench of his teeth and slightest parting of the lips speaking volumes.” ^GN “The key to Solomon’s existence is the suppression of his rage – he must feign illiteracy and subservience to survive.” ^GN

Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o as slave Patsey offers “the most bold feature debut by an actress in recent memory, her performance fiery, fragile and fiercely proud.” ^GN Meanwhile, Benedict Cumberbatch as slaveowner William Ford “displays the trappings of civility” ^GN while Michael Fassbender as slaveowner Edwin Epps is sadistic and cruel.

Sources:

^GN TheGuardian.com movie review by Mark Kermode
^WK Wikipedia

Awards/Honors/Lists:

Dave’s Movie Database Lists:

Awards:

Oscars:

Wins: 3: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Nyong’o), Best Adapted Screenplay

Nominations: 9: Best Director, Best Actor (Ejiofor), Best Supporting Actor (Fassbender), Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Production Design