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One
of the things that have been thrown around for months now is the notion
that awards season voting bodies won't respond to it because it's too
"difficult" to sit through. Let's define difficult, shall we? Is it
difficult to see the first openly gay politician gunned down by his
closeted colleague? Is it difficult to see a reformed convict put to
death by our country for his crimes? Is it difficult to see a mother
choose which one of her children dies during the Holocaust? I'd argue
that these answers add up to a resounding yes. Yet, no one threw those
phrases of "too difficult" around.
I've watched hundreds of films
throughout my short 29-year history and I've seen some difficult
cinema. Steven Spielberg's "Schindler's List" can make anyone quiver in
shame as it shows the despicable reality of the Holocaust. Paul
Greengrass' "United 93", which is almost an emotional biopic of
America's darkest hour, makes me want to crawl up into a ball and cry.
And finally, Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ", one of the
highest grossing films of all-time, shows the labor of our sins fleshed
out into the beaten skin of an honest man. And still, no one threw these
hyperbolic terms out saying, "it's too hard watch." Is it because this
is an American tragedy, done by Americans? Is it the guilt of someone's
ancestors manifesting it in your tear ducts? I can't answer that. Only
the person who says it can. The structure of this country is built on
the backs and blood of slaves. But slavery didn't just exist in America,
it was everywhere. It was horrifying what occurred for over 200 years
and believe it or not, still exists in some parts of the world TODAY.
Now
when approaching the powerful film by McQueen and distributed by Fox
Searchlight Pictures, there is a resounding honesty that McQueen and
screenwriter John Ridley inhabit. There are no tricks or gimmicks, no
cheap takes on a side story or character that is put there for time
filling or a life-lesson for Solomon to learn. Everything is genuine. Is
the film heartbreaking? Oh my God yes. Did I cry for several minutes
after the screening? Embarrassingly so. I was enamored the entire time,
head to toe, moment to moment.
I have long admired the talent
that's been evident in the works of Chiwetel Ejiofor. I've known he was
capable of what he has accomplished as Solomon Northup and he hits it
out of the park. He has the urgency, worry, and drive to get home to his
family and executes every emotion flawlessly even when all hope seems
to be lost. Where he shines incredibly are the small nuances that he
takes as the story slows down, you notice aspects of Solomon that make
him even more believable.
As Edwin Epps, Solomon's last owner,
Michael Fassbender digs down deep into some evil territory. Acts as the
"Amon Goeth" of our tale, he is exactly what you'd expect a person who
believes this should be a way of life to behave. He's vile and strikes
fear into not only the people he interacts with but with the viewers who
watch. As Mrs. Epps, Sarah Paulson is just as wretched. Abusive,
conniving, entitled, and I loved every second of her.
Mark my
words; Lupita Nyong'o is the emotional epicenter of the entire film. The
heartache, tears, and anger that will grow inside during the feature
will have our beautiful "Patsey" at the core. She is the great find of
our film year and will surely go on to more dynamic and passionate
projects in the future. You're watching the birth of a star.
Hans
Zimmer puts forth a very pronounced score, enriched with all the subtle
ticks that strike the chords of tone. One thing that cannot be denied
is the exquisite camera work of Sean Bobbit. Weaving through the parts
of boat and then through the grassroots of a cotton field, he puts
himself in the leagues of Roger Deakins and Seamus McGarvey as one of
the most innovative and exciting DP's in the business. Especially
following his work in "The Place Beyond the Pines" earlier this year.
Simply marvelous.
Oscar chances, since I know many of you are
wondering. Put the Oscar's in my hands, you have a dozen nominations
reap for the taking. Best Picture, Director, Lead Actor, Supporting
Actor, dual Supporting Actresses, Adapted Screenplay, Production Design,
Cinematography, Costume Design, Film Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling,
Original Score. There's also a strong and rich sound scope that is
present. The sounds of nature as the slaves walk or as Solomon
approaches his master's house is noticed. The big question is, can it
win? I haven't seen everything yet so I cannot yet if it deserves it or
not. I can say, if critics and audiences can get off this "difficult"
watch nonsense and accept the cinematic endeavor as a look into our own
history as told from a great auteur, there's no reason it can't top the
night. I'm very aware that seeing this film along with Steve McQueen
crowned by Oscar is nearly erasing 85 years of history in the Academy.
Are they willing and ready to begin looking into new realms and allowing
someone not necessarily in their inner circles to make a bold statement
as McQueen and Ridley take in "12 Years a Slave?" I remain hopeful.
