Enjoyed “12 Years A Slave”. Even though this story has been done umpteen times, the WAY they did it was artistic genius. Can understand how it won Best Picture and Best Screenplay for Adaptation with writer John Ripley using some classic dialogue techniques, scribing a clinic on using flashback to move the story forward, structuring a story that comes full circle to victory, and masterfully crafting a most difficult concept known as script integration – especially considering he had a limited budget and worked within confines of adaptation. Conversely, was surprised by the script’s lack of comedic relief, a natural deployed in dramatic tragedies; which, along with the two hour plus running time, put extreme pressure on Director Steve McQueen regarding pacing and maintaining forward momentum since it was non-stop drama. The aforementioned, along with getting great performances, makes McQueen’s nomination for Best Director most worthy, which he should have won over “Gravity” (please!). The way he constructed the ending scene was breathtaking for he took a simple set and morphed the perfect storm with the triple convergence of home, family, and generational love. As for acting, never seen a thespian win Best Supporting Role with such little screen time as Lupita Nyongo, whose character not only didn’t enter the film til mid-point, but whose part also lacked variation. Plus, her two main dramatic scenes have been done in practically every film of this genre. How she won over Jennifer Lawrence’s full spectrum performance in “American Hustle” befuddles me. But what STOLE THE WHOLE SHOW was Best Actor Chiwetel Ejiofor’s performance of a lifetime. Talk about a star is born! What he told us with his actions, reactions, gestures, mannerisms, eyes, and facial expressions spoke volumes, transcending both scripting and directing. His non-verbal portrayal reminded me of Hillary Swank’s “Million Dollar Baby”. Truly magnificent watching.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 14:22:48 +0000
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