An Incredible Film, I Didn't Like

So we decided this year to buy Cineworld Unlimited cards, so we could see as many films as possible at the cinema. An excuse to go out, and see something on the big screen. And the first film we saw: 

12 Years A Slave. 

It really was a great film. Outstandingly acted, superbly directed, and an incredible story. 

But I didn’t like it. And nor should I. 

And I don’t think I’d watch it again. And nor should I need to. 

In many respects, 12 Years A Slave is a horrible film. A film about the evils of humanity. A film about nasty people. And a film which is absolutely brutal at times. 

It certainly doesn’t shy away from the horrific scenes so common to many a story about slavery. So wholly based on truths. And why should it? There are lynchings, there are beatings, there are lashings, and there is death. Lots of it. And heartbreak. And shock. 

But that is what life was like in the American South during the pre Civil War era. (And quite similar afterwards too, in many respects). And so that is what 12 Years A Slave is about. 

It remembers a period of history so vitally important to this day. It doesn’t memorialise, or fabricate, or justify. It just records. Naturally, films take certain liberties with historical accuracy, but this one doesn't stretch the truth very far at all. It just remembers an era. And so it should. 

Because that period, and everything that went on there, should never be forgotten. Everyone should know what it was like, and witness how cruel and evil human beings can be. Lest we not forget, so that we will not repeat. 

12 Years A Slave is also a film about hope. A film about the strength of human nature, and power of hope. A film about how hope can help you survive. 

Is it uplifting? No. Not even at the end. It’s definitely not a film you leave smiling or feeling happy. 

But does that mean you shouldn’t watch it? Absolutely not.  

There isn’t actually much script writing, in terms of dialogue in the film. Enough yes, but that’s not really what makes it so powerful. The power comes from the story as a whole, which is certainly well written, and the visual look.  

That’s probably why it will win Best Director. The way the film is put together, with a beautiful Southern backdrop of Spanish Moss clad trees and setting suns, cotton fields and rustic plantations, coupled with harrowing images which the camera never shies away from. In fact, it stays so long on some frames, as to make it uncomfortable. Just the point.

And the acting is fantastic too. All involved fully embrace the roles given to them, which is no easy task given the brutal nature of the subject. Of course, Chiwetel Ejiofor is incredible as lead character Solomon Northup, and the audience easily gets behind his cause without a second doubt. Benedict Cumberbatch overcomes a slightly dodgy Deep South accent to have a small role as a plantation owner who you’re not sure whether to like or not. Paul Dano was great portraying someone who had been indoctrinated by the culture around to hate slaves, no matter what. But it was Michael Fassbender who stood at for me. 

Fassbender plays the embodiment of evil. A man who believes in his superiority wholeheartedly, and will punish all those underneath him. In a cruel a way as possible. And there were no doubt many people like that in America during this period. For Fassbender to become this role must have been very difficult, yet he truly excels at making the audience despise him in every way possible. 

But even if the directing and acting were terrible, you should see this film once. Just so you know. As it happens, it is an excellent film with superb directing and acting, and I think everyone should watch it. 

Just don’t expect to like it. 

P.S. If you want to know more about this period, you could always read my dissertation on “African American Responses to Interracial Relationships in the Antebellum Era”, which I wrote for my last year of university. A little self plug there.