In 12 Years, a Slave, the very first scene in which Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is whipped was reminiscent of the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan. That’s how brutal it was from the get-go, which was clearly an attempt to hit the audience with a powerful punch to provoke Hollywood movie entertainment. But did it work and was it necessary? You can also search for moviepapa.
What is Roots in portraying slavery?
I have to admit that it drew me in, even though I wanted to see more than sensational brutality, especially in a film about such a sensitive subject. I thought about how this film would compare to ROOTS in portraying slavery in a way that wouldn’t turn off white viewers. Whether it succeeded in doing so is for each person to decide for themselves.
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After a brief introduction about “how” Solomon ended up in New Orleans as a slave, the film quickly picked up steam. Solomon, of course, was born a free man in New York. He was a carpenter, had a wife and children. In his spare time, he played his fiddle to earn extra money for the household coffers. While playing his fiddle at an event in the city, Solomon was approached by two men who led him to believe that they would increase his fortune in Washington DC by playing in front of the elite. But what the two were planning was far more sinister. They had Solomon shackled and chained in Washington DC and then sent to a slave auction to sell him.
Emotions Simmer
From that point on, I began to empathize with the psyche and world of Solomon – a man who had been stripped of everything he knew and was facing a life of torment. Director Steve McQueen contributed with his not-so-frequent great scenes where he kept the camera on Chiwetel longer to let the emotions simmer. It worked. Slowly, as the seconds ticked by during one of his what I call “pause in the action” scenes, you were drawn into the real emotions of what was happening. An example of this is the moment when Solomon realizes he has been captured and may never see his family again – I felt that moment too!
Dangerous for Solomon
Briefly, we had an appearance by Paul Giamatti in the role of the slave trader who sells Solomon on the pretext that he is a runaway slave named “Platt.” Fearing reprisals, Solomon bows to the wishes of the masters and tells no one that he is actually a free man. It would be too dangerous for Solomon if anyone knew who he really is, because since his capture he has been a commodity. Anything that would jeopardize the price put on his head could lead to his assassination.
Benedict Cumberbatch
Solomon is bought by William Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch). I have to admit that I wasn’t initially convinced by his Southern accent. The Sherlock Holmes fans among you will know what a delightful, dark, sexy British accent Cumberbatch has. Getting into character with a heavy Southern drawl seemed too much for his talents….for now. He’s still working on his American accent, because I wasn’t convinced of his ability to play a role as American as he did in August: OsageCounty either. As Sherlock, however, he is amazing, and I would dare anyone to challenge him who would not say he is otherwise a brilliant and talented actor. During his stay on Ford’s plantation, Solomon becomes a valued slave and seems to be liked and even respected by Ford. But to the overseer Tibeats (Paul Dano), Solomon oversteps his position as a slave.
Tensions Rise
As tensions rise between Tibeats and Solomon, a brawl breaks out in which Tibeats tries to whip Solomon, who retaliates by beating him up. Ashamed, Tibeats seeks revenge and brings some of his companions to try to lynch Solomon. Although Solomon survives, it was a day of hell for him, as he had to stay in the noose for hours while his toes barely touched the ground so he could breathe before being lowered.
Conclusion
Ford becomes aware of the tensions brewing on his plantation regarding Solomon. Struggling with his own problems (which are not elaborated on in the film), he agrees to sell Solomon to Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender), who owns a nearby plantation. This came about after Solomon decided to let Ford know who he really was, and it was hoped that Ford would listen to Solomon’s concerns. Stop. In reality, we discover that Ford is torn between his role as a slave owner and his humanity.
Roga Benton is a qualified social media expert at Coding The Line, London. She had graduated from the University of Cambridge.http://homeworldmanagement.co.uk/
