12 Years a Slave is a 2013 biographical drama film directed by Steve McQueen from a screenplay by John Ridley, based on the 1853 slave memoir Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup, an African American man who was kidnapped in Washington, D.C. by two conmen in 1841 and sold into slavery. He was put to work on plantations in the state of Louisiana for 12 years before being released.
The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup, Michael Fassbender as a malevolent slave owner, and Lupita Nyong'o as a young slave who is horrendously abused. Benedict Cumberbatch also makes an appearance as a 'kinder' slave owner.
The film is a "particularly British triumph," with the director Steve McQueen and lead actor Chiwetel Ejiofor both being British. The film is unrelenting in its focus on the period of captivity, with occasional glimpses of humanity. The style is slow and penetrating with some long and wordless scenes totally captivating. The original music by Hans Zimmer and the use of contemporary songs add to the searing atmosphere of the work.
It is a critically acclaimed film that won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress for Lupita Nyong'o, and Best Adapted Screenplay for John Ridley. It is considered an essential cinema that provides an unflinchingly brutal look at American slavery.
Plot
The film tells the storyof Solomon Northup, an African-American man who was kidnapped in Washington, D.C. by two conmen in 1841 and sold into slavery. He was put to work on plantations in the state of Louisiana for 12 years before being released. The film opens with the enslaved Solomon Northup in a sugarcane field with other slaves and then tells Northup’s story in an extended flashback.
The plot of the film revolves around Solomon Northup's journey from being a free man to being sold into slavery and his struggle to survive and maintain his dignity. For twelve years, he works in the plantations and is abusively treated by his masters, until the day he meets the Canadian abolitionist Bass who promises to send a letter to his family. The film is unrelenting in its focus on the period of captivity, with occasional glimpses of humanity. The style is slow and penetrating with some long and wordless scenes totally captivating.
Cast
- Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup
- Michael Fassbender as Edwin Epps
- Lupita Nyong'o as Patsey
- Benedict Cumberbatch as William Ford
- Sarah Paulson as Mary Epps
- Paul Dano as John Tibeats
- Adepero Oduye as Eliza
- Paul Giamatti as Theophilus Freeman
- Brad Pitt as Samuel Bass
- Alfre Woodard as Mistress Harriet Shaw
- Garret Dillahunt as Armsby
Director: Steve McQueen
Writer: John Ridley
Box Office Gross: $187,733,202
Distributor: Fox Searchlight
Genre: History, Drama, Biography
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 18, 2013
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Jan 17, 2014
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 31, 2015
Themes
"12 Years a Slave" explores several themes, including the dehumanizing effects of slavery, the resilience of the human spirit, and the nature of freedom. The film also delves into the complexities of power, race, and identity, and the moral choices faced by individuals in the face of injustice.
Reception
The film received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its powerful storytelling, exceptional performances, and unflinching portrayal of slavery. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Lupita Nyong'o, among other accolades.
Challenges Faced
The production of "12 Years a Slave" faced challenges in finding the right balance between historical accuracy and cinematic storytelling. The filmmakers also had to navigate the sensitive and harrowing subject matter of the film, as well as the physical and emotional demands on the cast and crew.
Settings, Visual Styles, and Techniques
The film is set in various locations, including plantations, urban areas, and natural landscapes. It employs a naturalistic visual style, with an emphasis on capturing the harsh realities of slavery. Director Steve McQueen's use of long takes and close-ups creates an immersive and intimate viewing experience, while the subdued color palette and lighting contribute to the film's somber tone.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- To prepare for his role, actor Chiwetel Ejiofor studied slave narratives and historical accounts of the period.
- Director Steve McQueen's decision to use historical documents and photographs in the film's closing credits was a tribute to the real-life individuals who endured slavery.
- The role of Patsey, played by Lupita Nyong'o, was her feature film debut, and her performance received widespread acclaim.