...Discuss: 12 Years A Slave

A subject which is not often explored enough in film, especially considering it is relatively recent in the history of the world and our society, is the subject matter of slavery. Where we have been given a lot of different stories, from different perspectives of other major events and periods in the world's recent history - and in particular, wars - there has not been anywhere as near as many stories being told regarding slavery.

Possibly because in war films, the Americans, British and the rest of the Allies are seen as the 'good guys', going up against the evil of the Nazis or whomever they may be. It is an easier sell to the studios or investors in getting the film made as there is often spectacle, battles and there is a clear and archetypal hero. Whereas, in a film depicting slavery or the events around that time, there's going to be racism, torture and brutality; and well, that is not an easy sell - especially considering it is already a tough and possibly all too familiar subject matter for the audience. There is no mistake why not enough films explore the subject of slavery. It potentially won't be able to sell enough tickets and make a financial profit for those who finance the film - it just doesn't make business sense.

Steve McQueen (Left) having a chat with Chiwetal Ejiofor during filming
of 12 Years A Slave.

However, director Steve McQueen (no, not that one) has made a film that deals with this most harrowing of subjects and has created something that seems true to the time. He has instead told the story through the eyes of the world; refusing characters to be uncomplicated and refusing sentimentality to seep through. As a result, he has told the story of a free man that was captured and made to work as a slave on the plantations of the South of the United States and how this man used his wits and the hope of seeing his family again in his efforts to live.

12 Years A Slave - adapted from the true life story and book of the same name - tells this story and tells it as honestly, truthfully and, as a consequence, ruthlessly as a story about slavery should be told. No punches are pulled; no shade has been toned down. It is emotional, gut wrenching, hard hitting and powerful film-making, all at once.

The film's commercial success since its release has been helped enormously from the award season appreciation that it has received. In many respects, it is a film that succeeds or fails by the recognition it is awarded during this particular time of the year. Coupled with the fact that the film tells a true story, with astonishing performances throughout the cast and that it avoids any sense of sentimentality means that the film has been able to flourish.

But what of more stories being told on this subject? It is clear that not all would be a commercial or critical success; as is the case with any other genre of film. And there are different ways and perspectives that such a topic, like slavery, can be told. A year ago, Quentin Tarantino made Django Unchained, which was in reality an exploitation movie, more so than it was a movie about slavery. Incidentally, it also did very well for itself, landing Tarantino a best original screenplay award at the Oscars, along with numerous other nominations.

As for 12 Years A Slave, the story about a man trying to live and merely not survive, is a true marvel to behold. It should be in your consideration to see and judge for yourself.