Chiwetel Ejiofor and Michael Fassbender star in an incredibly powerful production that makes The Passion of the Christ look like Hot Tub Time Machine.
Few reviewers will have the vocabulary or articulation to aptly describe what Solomon Northup went through – and JOE is no different. Adapted from his own memoirs, it tells the harrowing tale of a free man in mid-19th century America who is abducted and sold into slavery. Subjected to over a decade of horrific treatment, both mental and physical, he leaves behind a wife and family who have no idea of his whereabouts.
Given the hyperbolic statements in the TV spots proclaiming it “one of the best films ever made” it’s difficult to manage expectations when sitting down to watch this obvious Oscar contender. Helmer Steve McQueen has proved himself more than capable of tackling difficult subject matters before (Shame), but the scale here is on a different spectrum all together.
While the names above the title are impressive, this is Ejiofor’s movie. His performance is nothing short of astounding; how he managed to keep the required level of intensity up for the months this film must have taken to shoot is staggering. Featuring in every single scene, he manages to convey aguish without sometimes uttering a word. Other stand-out performer is Fassbender, working with McQueen for the third time, and giving another great turn as a man so evil, so vile, you wouldn’t wish him upon your worst enemy.
While McQueen has an obvious skill of getting the absolute best from his actors, he also paces his film brilliantly. Northup’s story is disturbing enough; all it needed was to be told properly and with a cast, script and director capable of doing that. McQueen scatters the film with moments that hit like a sledgehammer; a slave being reunited with his master, and a hanging towards the end are just two that will stay in the mind for a long time after the credits roll.
The word “powerful” is thrown around a lot. 12 Years a Slave might just be the personification of that word.
An incredible film.
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