Director Steve McQueen (Hunger, Shame) isn’t exactly known for cranking out uplifting fare, and12 Years a Slave is no exception. Despite its bleak subject matter, it’s a phenomenal film. He was the perfect director for bringing the disturbing subject matter to the screen. Slave is superbly directed and acted. It’s also very, very upsetting to watch. I’ve never felt white guilt to the extent I did after watching this (unfortunately probably very accurate) depiction of slavery.
12 Years a Slave is based on the remarkable true story of Solomon Northup, an educated, free black man living in New York in the 1840s. He has a wife and two children, and appears to be making a fine living as a musician, enjoying the spoils of being part of the elite New York social circles. He’s clearly well respected and well liked within his community. Northup gets invited to go on a two-week tour with a traveling circus, and accepts the offer. All is well and good until one night he falls ill after imbibing some wine at dinner with his recruiters. He wakes up disoriented and hobbled by shackles. And thus his nightmare begins.
Northup is trafficked into slavery, along with the other occupants of a boat. They are forced to strip and line up like cattle as potential buyers inspect them for purchase. Northup then faces his plight as a slave, being traded and sold to a succession of slave owners for 12 years. Some are kind, but most are sadistic in their handling of slaves. It’s absolutely horrific to see what kinds of atrocities these men and women endure. We’ve seen many films gently skirt around the issue (most recentlyThe Butler), but this is the real deal. McQueen doesn’t hold back in his portrayal of slavery. It’s a very visceral film – floggings, hangings, torture and rape are frequently on display. I actually had nightmares about one particular scene. And if the n-word makes you squirm, you’ll be beside yourself by the end of the movie.
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