Thursday, October 31, 2013

BIG SCREEN: 12 Years A Slave Revieux (Rated R)

It’s always chancy to read the book before seeing the movie that’s based on it. Way too often the book is a thousand times better, so the movie suffers in comparison. But I threw caution to the wind and read Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup prior to the screening, with mixed results.

First of all, I really, really, really think the book should become required reading for high school kids. The perspective on slavery – and lesson in humanity -- is truly like no other. It’s written by an African-American man who was born a free man in 19th century New York state. He enjoyed a pleasant, comfortable life with a wife, family, home, education, and respect from his racially mixed community. While he was certainly aware of the institution of slavery in the South, he was far removed from its terrifying reality – just like those of us who have only read about it in text books. So, when he describes being kidnapped, sold into slavery, and forced to endure all the ensuing horrors and hardships, the reader is able to identify with him, and experience the utter shock and hopelessness right along with him.

The movie -- which stars a perfectly cast Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon and was shot in and around New Orleans -- remains quite faithful to the plot and overall tone of the book, eschewing unnecessary dramatic elements, and sticking with a very realistic and stark portrayal of his journey.  Both the book and the movie are surprisingly even-handed in the portrayal of the very ugliest aspects of slavery, as well as the slightly less brutal side – which is, at best, depraved indifference, as opposed to outright depravity. In the movie, Michael Fassbender turns in a MASTERFUL performance as Edwin Epps, the heartless slave owner who terrorizes Solomon for ten of his twelve years in captivity. On the other end of the spectrum, Benedict Cumberbatch plays Master Ford, a much more sympathetic man, who is obviously conflicted by slavery, though still a very willing participant. (Brad Pitt, one of the producers, *somehow* managed to land the pivotal role of the film's ultimate good guy. Which is fine, I guess. I mean, he was the boss and all, but his presence is sort of random and disruptive, if you ask me.) 

One of the benefits of having read the book is the slight advantage of knowing what’s coming. Not that it’s easier to see the nightmares and heartbreaks play out on screen, but having already experienced them in written form allowed me to sort of steel myself a bit more when I knew tough, tough scenes were coming. But they are, indeed, still very tough to watch.

Anyone who hasn’t read the book will probably be completely unaware of what I consider to be a really important missed opportunity in the movie. What makes the book so powerful is Solomon’s voice. His eloquence, gentle insight, and even his incredibly detailed understanding of the mechanics of running plantations and their mills, creates more depth of character, and it establishes a respectful intimacy with the reader. So, why in the world didn’t the movie use a little voice over narration to replicate a little of that intimacy and point of view? I think it would’ve elevated a very good movie to a GREAT one. But, they didn’t ask me, so there ya go.

Overall, I highly recommend 12 Years a Slave. Phenomenal cast, haunting locations, and some pretty devastating directing. It's truly astounding to know you're basically watching reenactments of real events that happened to, and because of, real people. The movie may be a bit too brutal for younger teens, but the book is a must.

12 Years a Slave is now playing in theaters. For local theaters and showtimes, please go here.

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