TIFF Movie Review – 12 Years a Slave (2013)

A talented violinist believes that he has been offered a financially rewarding job only to be sold into slavery; over the span of 12 years he goes through a series of plantation owners until the wrong is rectified.  This is the basic storyline for the latest offering from filmmaker Steve McQueen (Shame) which has the straightforward title 12 Years a Slave. Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is first shown in captivity trying to write a letter.  Flashbacks are incorporated showing him living freely with his family and then the narrative reconnects with the opening sequence in a manner that would please Martin Scorsese (The Departed).

Undoubtedly comparisons will be made between the true life slavery saga and Schindler’s List (1993) though the former is lot more brutal in its depiction of the derogation and violence.  The imagery is painterly and sound design is so sharp that one can hear every whiplash as rips through the human skin.  Surprises that occur are the clapping of hands by the Negro workers while the foreman John Tibeats (Paul Dano) sings a racist song over a medley of shots, Solomon Northup stumbling upon a hanging, and plantation owner Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender) dancing across the sleeping quarters of his workers.

Chiwetel Ejiofor (Kinky Boots) carries the narrative weight upon his shoulders and does so with conviction and subtlety.  Paul Dano (Prisoners) is excelling in the role of weasel characters much like Edward Norton (Fight Club).  Michael Fassbender (Prometheus) embodies a moody psychotic who is unpredictable and volatile.  The arrival of Brad Pitt (Se7en) is a critical plot element but his bearded face makes one wonder if he is trying to channel the look of Abraham Lincoln.  Paul Giamatti (Sideways) is dependable as a slave dealer. Lupita Nyong’o (Non-Stop) is very posed for a newcomer.  

Whites are not caricatures but undone by their own ignorance and purposeful misinterpretation of the Bible to suit the needs of business.  Obstacles and hardships are plentiful which makes the protagonist resemble Orpheus who descended into Hades and comes back.  There is an painful long shot where Northup is left hanging with a noose around his neck and he slowly makes his way toward the camera.  Considering the subject matter it is hard to imagine audience members getting entertained.  Perhaps it is more accurate to say emotionally drained as crying was heard during the press screening.  12 Years a Slave will certainly be a major Oscar contender.