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