The Review
I knew I probably should see this movie, but I delayed it for a long time because I was worried it would be depressing. And yes, it is depressing. But it's also fascinating. The story of the trials and tribulations of an ordinary American slave can never be called boring. And every actor in this movie (and it's chalked full of famous actors) really brings their A-game in an amazing way.
The fact that it's based on a completely true story makes it all the more fascinating.
Links
While watching this movie, I was reminded of The World on Fire by Amanda Foreman--not because it's the only or the best book on the slavery issue, but just because it was the book I had read most recently. One thing included in that book is the horror of some of the recollections of British travellers through the American South who actually observed slavery in action--apparently the slave auctions really were awful things to witness, and apparently some of the owners of these slave plantations did tend towards cruelty and sadism.
External Links
Wikipedia's section on the Historical Accuracy of this movie. Wikipedia is skeptical both of the original source material, and of some of the choices of the adaptation. Personally I'm inclined to give the original source material a pass, but am less forgiving of liberties taken by the film adaptation (albeit it looks like it's minor here.)
Also, the folks at the avclub do a good job of describing why this movie is able to be more than just another feel-bad historical drama about slavery. Deeply, and unsentimentally, 12 Years A Slave delves into the unpleasant details of Northup’s 1853 memoir, taking a few dramatic liberties along the way. Yet it’s more than just a litany of sorrows, the ultimate slavery movie it’s already been dubbed. Channeling the evils of human bondage through the experiences of one weary figure, McQueen has constructed another intensely physical character study about a man trapped in his own flesh
Rating
9 out of 10 stars. (A somewhat depressing subject material, but about as perfect a handling of this material as you could ask for).
Link of the Day
Noam Chomsky Glenn Greenwald with Liberty and Justice For Some
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