Our Top 10 Films of 2013 - #1 12 Years a Slave 12 Years a Slave is a historical drama based on the true events detailed in the 1853 memoir, by Solomon Northup. It follows a free black man who was born in New York, and lives as a skilled carpenter and violinist, until he is kidnapped and sold into slavery. It is directed by Steve McQueen and stars an impressive cast including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti, Lupita Nyongo, Sarah Paulson and Brad Pitt who is also one of the films producers. There have been plenty of films over the years that explore some of the horrors and mistreatments that occurred during slavery, but none have been done in the way that the thrilling rollercoaster that is 12 Years a Slave. The film doesnt waste time kicking into gear, and it never lets up the entire film. The storyline by itself is quite incredible and shocking, especially when you know that its all factual. The obstacles placed in front of Northup during his 12 years in slavery would break down most men, but his persistence to survive and never lose hope is quite extraordinary. Some of the things that really set this film apart from previous movies are the creative camera shots and the menacing sounds and editing, which really gives the film another dynamic. Scenes that are meant to shock, are emphasized by the use of steady single long shots which really hangs on the characters reactions or struggles. The acting was absolutely first class led by Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup. Chiwetel has featured in a lot of movies over the years, but is generally cast in supporting roles. He gave an unbelievable performance as a man struggling to hold back his anguish for the injustice that had been inflicted on him, and the other slaves. He tries his best to be compliant to stay alive in the hopes of one day seeing his family once more. As a viewer we are horrified by what he has to go through, and in brief moments of grief, anger and futility his emotions cannot be contained. However the actor who I believe stole the show, was the incredibly talented Michael Fassbender. He is quickly becoming one of my favourite actors going around. In his best performance yet, as the evil, sadistic and abusive plantation owner Edwynn Epps. Fassbenders rage and insanity is both terrifying and mesmerizing to watch. The raw emotion that he unleashes on screen simply cant be taught. There was one scene in particular, where Fassbenders character cant find his favourite female slave. He storms towards some of his older slaves hanging up washing, screaming at them to tell him where the missing slave is. In that moment I found myself thinking just how amazing it wouldve been to be on set witnessing this emotional tirade, on what was virtuously just an extra in the film. It wouldve just been mind blowing! But hey that’s what great acting is all about. I think the battle for the best supporting actor Oscar will be a head to head battle between Fassbender and Jared Leto in Dallas Buyers Club. While I have singled out both of those actors, the work of Lupita Nyongo as Patsey (the female slave that Fassbender favoured), was almost as impressive. Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch and Paul Giamatti also gave brilliant performances in their respective roles throughout the film. For me, this was the best film of the year as I was completely engaged and captivated by every single second of the movie. I was just expecting another inspirational American slavery movie, with decent acting, but it was so much more and easily exceeded my expectations. While some viewers might be turned off by the confronting and at times, graphic scenes, I think at the same time we cant shy away from it. This movie is based on a true story and real events that took place in the world’s history. We must learn from the mistakes of the past, and be proud that humanity has taken steps to remedy these atrocities. Having said that, I think its also important to realise that slavery does in fact still exist in some parts of the world, and this sort of behaviour and mistreatment should not be tolerated.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 07:29:38 +0000