Review of 12 Years a Slave (2013) by Henry W — 13 Jun 2015

There's a lot to like in this movie. It's straightforward. The cinematography is outstanding and the lead performance is great. There are several points of interesting symbolism.

However, I do think the film has some shortcomings. My perspective may be warped because I've studied the period extensively. One thing is probably expected: McQueen overstates the brutality a bit. And that's okay. There's an obvious reason and point to that. But there's a really huge plot hole, and it's Brad Pitt. Pitt is at the center of the narrative. He has a conversation with Northrup's owner that would definitely get him fired on the spot, and might even get him killed. It is completely unbelievable that Pitt would get away with what he said to the owner, and be able to aid Northrup as a result. So it ruins the crux of the story. I suppose it could have worked if the owner had challenged Pitt to a duel, and they intentionally missed (which was customary for the time) with some choice words, and the owner telling Pitt he better run when his job is up. Then I could have believed what happened. This is based on an autobiography, so I suppose the circumstance could have been true. But it was presented in the movie like it was a device to give an abolitionist voice of reason, and I highly doubt it was historical.

So that is my one complaint. But in general, it's an excellent movie.