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#Post#: 46045--------------------------------------------------
12 Years a Slave
By: StealYellowMen Date: November 8, 2013, 10:56 pm
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I saw it tonight. Sh!t got real.
I have to say that I find it hard to talk about this movie
because I keep wanting to use adjectives like "amazing" but its
hard because that is no a way to describe this film. Its
powerful and depressing, but not overly tragic or melodramatic.
Like, if I was ever figuring out what movie to watch with
someone I'd never say something in the vein of, "You know whats
an AMAZING movie that I adore? 12 Years A Slave." And that isn't
a criticism. Its just not how you describe this type of movie.
I've seen some people take issue with Chiwetel Ejiofor's acting,
but I was fine with it. I thought he was great and did a very
fine job of carrying this film. And Michael Fassbender was
straight up fantastic and the supporting cast definitely kept up
(but in some cases, were tragically underused). On the technical
side, the direction and cinematography was lovely, the score was
obviously Hans Zimmer, and even the sound direction/editing was
impressive. The use of sound, especially in the beginning, had
me on edge in a really affecting way. And there were so many
shots and sequences that I very much appreciated as I love a
good long take or tracking shot.
My only real criticism of the film would be that there were some
scenes that were unnecessary or that were busy making a point
that was already made. That time would have been better used to
further explore Solomon's past/family or exhibit the passage of
time. It didn't feel like he was a slave for twelve years. And
they sell the movie as something epic and thrilling/suspenseful,
which it wasnt. It was stark and shocking in its brutality at
times, but it wasn't some grand epic journey or hugely
suspenseful movie. There were touches of it, but not in the way
the movie is advertised. Basically, in a lot of a ways, it was a
different movie experience than I was expecting. Some may say
that they felt underwhelmed, but I actually appreciated it so
much more for not trying to change the story or be some great
grand tale of slavery. It was very matter of fact.
Tl;dr: I thought it was very good and all the buzz around it is
warranted. I could see why some could feel disappointed, but I
genuinely think it is quality and on point. Really a great film.
#Post#: 46116--------------------------------------------------
Re: 12 Years a Slave
By: Sinister Kid Date: November 16, 2013, 8:40 pm
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I just came back from it. I pretty much agree with all of this
(I feel like I use that phrase too much, but whatevs). It was
really affecting and hard-hitting. I haven't walked out of a
movie feeling surprised like that in a while. I was more
impressed by this than with Gravity (I know that's probably not
the right film to compare it to, but since this is the Awards
Season board, I thought I'd do it anyway). The one thing I found
amusing, though, wasn't with the film itself, but with my
audience. They all reacted as though this was the first time
they saw any depiction of slavery onscreen before. I mean, this
was definitely a brutally honest (in more than one way)
portrayal of the subject, but you'd think they never had an idea
of it to begin with. Lots of "ohh's" and "ooh's" and wincing.
#Post#: 46122--------------------------------------------------
Re: 12 Years a Slave
By: StealYellowMen Date: November 17, 2013, 4:32 pm
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Yeah well that one whipping scene towards the end was
particularly brutal. There was an intense audience reaction to
that, which is understandable. It was hard to watch. Like, going
into a slavery movie, you have an idea of what you're going to
get but that doesn't mean you'll be fully prepared for it. Also,
cinematically that was an impressive scene as it was mostly all
one shot. Which I thought as really effective in building that
tension and really gutting the viewer.
I dont know, there was a lot of this movie that is quality on
quite a few levels. I can see why you would say you were more
impressed by this than say Gravity (regardless of how random a
comparison that is). Like obviously Gravity was technologically
beyond and had similarly long takes and tracking shots and
choreography, but the story level of Gravity is much weaker.
Whereas 12 Years A Slave had not only better writing (although
not perfect by any means), but richer performances and more
nuance. And when it comes to talking about possible Best
Pictures I think its appropriate to make these sorts of
comparisons between films, regardless of genre. (Clearly this is
all just my opinion though. I'm sure many people would be
willing to argue with me).
And thats not to say I disliked Gravity. But I think its
weaknesses were pretty obvious to anyone who saw it.
#Post#: 46124--------------------------------------------------
Re: 12 Years a Slave
By: Sinister Kid Date: November 17, 2013, 5:40 pm
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Yeah, basically. I WAS impressed with Gravity's VFX and tech
achievements, though I still walked out feeling not as OH MY GOD
as I thought I would. And the whipping scene made me react too.
I was wincing with each spray of blood and crack. And I think I
felt it too when Sarah Paulson threw that bottle at the poor
girl.
#Post#: 46126--------------------------------------------------
Re: 12 Years a Slave
By: Russie Stover Date: November 17, 2013, 10:04 pm
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I think what makes the bottle scene so horrific is the the
camera doesn't follow it and it comes out of nowhere, you just
hear her hit the floor and the sound of it cracking into her
face. I really hope Paulson is remembered come awards season,
she was just so good in this film.
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