12 Years a Slave

Steve McQueen's brutally honest film depicts both the best and (mostly) the worst of man kind. 

Directed by: Steve McQueen

Released: 2013

Staring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch, Lupita Nyong'o, & Brad Pitt

Rated: R 

Times Viewed: 1

  Every fall as the weather transforms from glowing warmth to chilling cold, a new film season emerges to draw audiences to theaters. The first budding blooms include previously reviewed films Gravity & Captain Phillips; each release seemingly better than the next. Awards Season may only be in it's early, yet essential months of release, but Steve McQueen's bio-pic 12 Years A Slave may possess what it takes to persist the cold winter winds all the way to March 2nd. 

  12 Years A Slave tells the true tale of Solomon Northup; a free black man, making a living as a violinist in upstate New York before being tricked and sold into slavery.  Frame by frame, director Steve McQueen paints an unrelenting portrait of the human soul in both it's brightest and darkest colors.

Cinematgrapher Sean Bobbitt & Director Steve McQueen

  12 Years a Slave is meticulously crafted, each individual shot looks as though it could be a masterpiece painting. The angles at which cinematographer Sean Bobbitt and McQueen shoot are unique, fresh, and fascinating. Wether it be Benedict Cumberbatch standing in a door frame with Chiwetel Ejiofor at his feet; or Ejiofor hanging from a tree, the source of his punishment and suffering, an unfinished cabin looming in the background, the imagery and iconicism are breathtaking. No frame was shot without the closest consideration, and every shot is intentional and for that reason, powerful.

  From the beginning scenes of the film McQueen uses camera angles, light and sound to establish the right from the wrong, the natural from the unnatural. The film begins with Solomon cutting sugar cane but moves quickly into another scene later that night in which he and a fellow female slave become intimate. The scene was shot from a tight, overhead, horizontal view, the characters only visible from the chest down. The abruptness of the scene is somewhat jarring in not only it's placement in the film but also the angle at which it was shot, with both actors heads situated far screen right. The lighting is cold and harsh. Another rapid cut to atheistically contrasted shot; Solomon and his wife sit in bed in upright vertical positions. A warm light is cast around them and both actors are centered screen, a comfortable distance from the audience. The transition from one intimate scene to another create a vivid image to emotionally influence the audience as to what feels warm and safe, verses cold and uncomfortable. 

  "Uncomfortable" is a word many would use to describe any number of scenes in 12 Years A Slave but eliciting an emotion from an audience is the sign of a true director. McQueen utilizes not only camera angles/light but also manipulates sounds and ABSENCE of sound. A score by Hans Zimmer feeds the desolate undercurrent of the film but rises when called upon to become a tool of heightened drama. Sound builds and builds in moments of strife; however, once action has been taken, the audience is left with nothing but the bodily sounds of the characters, accompanied by silence. It's this silence that delivers the true impact of suffering better than any motif ever could. 

Our main character left hanging by a rope, his toes sloppily grace the mudded ground below last for an "uncomfortable" amount of time. No synthetic sound is heard, and with nothing but staggered breathes and the call of birds, this is the most powerful scene in the whole film. Prolonged silences and takes are what drive 12 Years a Slave and turn a possible generic period film into Oscar GOLD.

The beautiful Lupita Nyong'o as Patsey along side Michael Fassbender & Chiwetel Ejiofor. 

12 Years A Slave has quite the list of Hollywood names, those names however are reputable, respected names. 

  Adds are selling this as a Brad Pitt film when in reality his total screen time can't equal more than 15 minutes; that being said, he gives a well acted performance. Pitt's hand is more in producing than acting which, I have no complaints about. It takes a strong and humble actor to have so much invested in a production and yet take such a small role. Pitt's eye and and status in film making have matured immensely over the past 10+ years and I can't help but feel my sense of respect for him, as both actor and person, grown.  

Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Cumberbatch & Paul Dano 

Benedict Cumberbatch's role as plantation owner Ford plays as the contrasting figure to Michael Fassbender's maniacally cruel and unhinged Edwin Epps. Ford, while a slaver non the less, displays acts of kindness, generosity, and humanity. Cumberbatch was a perfect choice for the role, not only a goodnatured face but he also emits a disposition to match. His range of work in 2013 alone must be noted and applauded. I find it hard to believe that this man on screen is the same who plays the cheeky Sherlock Holmes and intimated nerds world round as the ruthless Khan. Benedict Cumberbatch is a rising star who shows no signs of slowing down...and I hope he doesn't.

  Our leading man Chiwetel Ejiofor, a relative unknown to both me and most likely the average movie goer, gives a performance that is nothing short of superior. To pull the truth and raw emotion from a story and script such as this is a feat daunting to any actor, no matter what their status. Ejiofor demonstrates a fearlessness and force that radiates through the screen. As I wrote before, 12 Years A Slave features numerous prolonged scenes of silence with nothing but the actor and perhaps a breath of wind. These scenes could have become dull and lifeless but Chiwetel Ejiofor emotes pain, trepidation, and hope all through his eyes. He knows how to utilize his face without seeming overdramatic and mime-esque. When he does speak, his delivery is believable and powerful.

 

Closely tied with Ejiofor for best performance in this film is unsurprisingly Michael Fassbender. The audience isn't sure whether he's a racist or a sadist, or just plain insane, but what Michael Fassbender creates is nearly beyond words. He demonstrates a calmness that makes his character all the more dangerous and terrifying; a burning and intense gaze accompanies words that had many an audience member shaking their head and murmuring in disgust. Edwin Epps is an unforgiving man, holding true to the belief that these people are his property and he many do with his property as he chooses. In the same fashion, Fassbender's method and performance are just as unforgiving. He could have gone complete passion and emotion, yelling and gesturing about, but he saves it for when it counts...a silent attack that explodes at the slightest push. Michael Fassbender has proved time and time again to be one of the best performers working in cinema today in for his role in 12 Years A Slave I'd be shocked if he didn't receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

  Paul Geomati makes a brief but note worthy appearance and I've never heard an audience applaud so loudly as they did when Paul Dano's character was beaten by Solomon. THAT is a true testate to the power of acting and the influence it can have on an audience. Where Fassbender's character had a quiet  yet deranged force behind it, Dano was it's counterpart. His performance as the overseer Tibeats on Ford's plantation is a boiling pot of superiority and temperament, quick to jump on any slave that shoots him a definite eye and acting rashly with no concern for law and order.

  The performances in 12 Years a Slave were the strongest to have graced in screen in all of 2013 and I will be shocked if there's not one or more cast member who's nominated for an Academy Award. For all of it's successes, the film does get heavy. With very few, if any light moments, the film may prove hard for some to sit through. It's an intense emotional roller coaster from start to finish, but the quality of the production and performances make it well worth the strife. Moving in more ways than one and important in the fact this is not an African American movie, it's an AMERICAN movie. One of the greatest countries in the world, America is also one who's held a blood-soaked ledger.  Steve McQueen reminds us how important our history is, he shows us the good, the bad, and the worst of ALL Americans.

  The only other obstacle I see 12 Years facing is what I've come to call the "Lincoln Bug." This time last year, everyone had Steven Spielberg's presidential bio-pic to be front runner for the Academy's highest award; however, following it's release, interest in the film dissipated and soon it lost to thriller Argo. The problem with Lincoln was it was all talk no action....what everyone thought would be a stirring drama turned out to be a Daniel Day-Lewis performance piece filled with the President telling lengthy stories and jokes...while all performances were excellent (I did cry) as a whole, Lincoln was one of my biggest disappointments of last year. Honestly I don't think 12 Years will suffer the same fate...it's equal parts performance drama and cinematic beauty along with severe depictions of plantation life.

  12 Years a slave received a rousing reception at The Uptown Theater with both the 7:00 and 10:00 shows selling out, the 7:00 showing by 3:00pm! There was not a dry eye in the house during the final scene and credits. Goosebumps, cheers, and tears were a plenty throughout the film; this is one film that MUST not be missed for both it's cinematic achievements  and outstanding cast.

Star Trek: Into Darkness

   Abrams builds action off of emotion, passion, and (with the help of Benedict) makes us scream, cheer, and cry for 2 hours. 

Directed by: J.J. Abrams
Released: 2013
Staring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Benedict Cumberbatch, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, Bruce Greenwood, & Alice Eve.
Rated: PG-13
Times Viewed: 1

  From the moment I saw that first clip of Kirk and Bones running through those blood red trees I KNEW this would be one of the best films of the summer; and I was quite right.
Into Darkness is masterfully written and crafted with beautiful production design, blood pumping action and a fair amount of heart wrenching drama.

Karl Urban and Chris Pine sprinting through a jungle of red in the opening scene of Star Trek: Into Darkness

 Abrams proves to be a director that not only understands visual appeal along with thrills, but roots his films deep within human emotion. Every decision made by the film's characters is one of passion; driven by relationships and devotion. THIS is what makes Abrams such an effective film maker, especially when it comes to action films. Too many action films today base the action off of conspiracy theories or greed; the ones who do attempt to justify their action by revenge, or some such nonsense, don't effectively communicate to the audience how strong the supposed "bond" between the the lost character and revenging one are. J.J. Abrams shows these deep emotional bonds and connections whether it be through love or  friendship as soon as the film takes off. He did this quite well in the 2009 (has it really been THAT long?) reboot of Star Trek, making myself and nerds all over the world cry (and I mean WEEP) within the first 5 minutes of a film; something I had deemed impossible.

When an action film creates such a true connection with the audience, the action is intensified ten full and makes the movie all the more enjoyable and effective. This movie is 2 hours and 12 minutes long, and I think it was only for those 12 minutes that my hands weren't coving my mouth. This film was, in one simple word, INTENSE.

Story?

So I'm going to be honest, I'm not going to do a lot of analysis of the plot because as in any J.J. Abrams film, you discuss the plot for over 5 minutes and you're into spoiler territory and I AM NOT A SPOILER PERSON. Soo....basic synopsis...Kirk is in trouble again for not following the rules, Spock and Uhura are on shaky ground, and beefed up Sherlock has turned terrorist and blown up Star Fleet bases in London. Kirk and crew go after the vindictive officer-gone-rouge and stunning space action along with tear jerking drama takes place!!!

If you haven't seen Abrams first reboot of the series stop reading this now and go watch it. I have it. Come over and we'll watch it together. But seriously, it is a FANTASTIC reboot that I'm pretty positive is loved by all movie audiences, Trekkers and non. Just like Star Trek, Into Darkness is BEAUTIFUL!

Does Spock (Zachary Quinto) meet a fiery death in Into Darkness?

Design

  The sets are cool, futuristic and innovative, yet still believable. Nothing looks too hokey or outlandish. I also really adored the costuming in this film, designed by Michael Kaplan (seriously thought this was director DAVID Kaplan for a bit) who has quite the diverse body of work. Blade Runner, Burlesque, Pearl Harbor, Fight Club, Clue, Flashdance...seriously what genre hasn't this man done?
And I'm not just saying I loved the design because of the wetsuits...although let's be honest...THOSE WETSUITS...But apart from that, he keeps it futuristic while staying REALISTIC. There is definitely a modern (as in now a days modern) feel to many of the jackets, jegging style pants and boots.

  Special effects were brilliant as they always are with J.J. Abrams. Sci-Fi is one of those genres that can either go so wrong or so right when it comes to special effects and Abrams always goes far, FAR beyond any and all of my expectations. I'm still blown away with the outer space worlds he has created.  Flawless, and I mean flawless. I desperately wish to take a screen shot from every shot from that film and turn it into my desktop background...for me, the girl who rags on special effects so much, this is a BIG statement...again, if you've seen the first installment you'll know what I'm talking about, and if you haven't you NEED to go watch it! The space and planet design/shots alone are worth a look.

The Enterprise hurtles towards Earth.

Break taking space shots from Into Darkness

The Ensemble

  Returning from the 2009 film are, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto (why do I sometimes confuse him with Eli Roth? I think it's the {non-Spock} eyebrows?) Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Anton Yelchin (adorable) & Bruce Greenwood. 

  The cast is just as brilliant, if not better than they were in '09. These actors have done a fantastic job of creating funny, individual characters for the audience to love. And I do, love ALL of them!

Kirk, Uhura, and Spock (Chris Pine, Zoë Saldana, & Zachary Quinto) take on familiar and new foes on an abandoned planet.

The always hilarious Simon Pegg returns as Montgomery Scott and does his fair share of running. 

Good to know Starfleet and Chekov (Anton Yelchin) still use the ever reliable flip phone. 

  Of course we have to talk about Pine and Quinto...but I don't know if I can...ahhhh but it's so hard to without spoiling THINGS...I'll try my best. Seriously, Pine and Quinto (like Kirk and Spock) are PERFECT together. They feed off of each other's polar opposite characteristics and form one awesome bromance that you can't help but love...then hating because it makes you cry..then loving again.  

  

  Spock and Kirks relationship in a nutshell...
Spock: "Don't do the thing."
Kirk: "I'M GONNA DO THE THING!!!"  

  Zachary Quinto IS Spock! I really don't know if he could be anymore perfect for the role. He captures the logical awkwardness of Spock seamlessly throughout the whole film, never letting it waver for a second; always believable, always hilarious. Plus, Spock gets some MAJOR action/fight scenes in this installment. Totally awesome.

Dang He's cool! Zach Quinto as Spock

  Pine, an actor who's work I don't follow too closely, is with out a doubt the perfect Kirk. We saw our far share of cocky confident Krik in '09 and in Into Darkness Kirk, dealing with some tough situations, matures into a true Captain. Not to say there isn't enough womanizing, sassy Kirk to go around, but when the cards are down, Kirk isn't messing around anymore. He's vulnerable, but this makes him all the more fierce. Great character development; well written and well acted. 

Very best of badass friends

And now I have to do what I've been dreading...talking about The Batch. 

  Benedict Cumberbatch. I am curious as to how American audiences view him as an actor. Those of us who are locked on the BBC series Sherlock know all too well the talents of this oddly attractive man. But to an unknowing American viewer it's hard to describe just WHO he is...I could tell you he was the rapist in Atonement, the army guy with the mustache in War Horse, or the voice of Smaug in the next installment of The Hobbit franchise, but I'm not sure it would translate. For those of you unaware, we who are Sherlocked are locked quite securely and have an unwavering, borderline obsession for the show's leading man. With that VOICE *quiver* and that face and hair *squeal* his unconventional looks only become more and more attractive when he opens his mouth and more importantly when he performs. This man PERFORMS. This man DELIVERS.  

Collar up, all mysterious again.

Smolder...he definitely likes to smolder...

  I find it extremely difficult talking about his performance without noting the fact he was the sexist thing in the movie. Forget mostly naked Alice Eve, we have a slim, cut, hair-slicked Benedict! Not only does he look amazing, but Ben is the one kicking most of the ass in this film! Plus he's the villain and I, admittedly, have a weak spot for the baddies.

I will definitely follow Benedict Cumberbatch Into Darkness.

John Harrison, friend or foe of Starfleet?  

  Ok, ok enough about his hard core sex appeal, I'll fan myself off and get back to his performance. 

Benedict brings it all and leaves it all in this film. His portrayal of Kahn (This is NOT a spoiler-it's on IMDB) is seemingly ruthless...until you place him in the glass box...more like glass box of emotion and he, along with the entire audience, breaks down. Cumberbatch and Pine take part in some intense and hot-blooded verbal battles as well as Cumberbatch and Quinto getting down and dirty in a good ol' fist fight.

Benedict Cumberbatch & Karl Urban

  Star Trek Into Darkness was just the film I was looking for this summer. Smart, sexy and action packed...for once they all worked together! In truth the only flaw I could find in this film was that is recycled a couple of themes from it's predecessor but honestly, when a film is THIS GOOD it tends to go unnoticed and really doesn't matter. The film is hot, full of emotion and action; a sci-fi summer blockbuster that is nearly impossible to dislike.