'12 Years a Slave' Seen as Turning Point in Films on Slavery

Voice of America
13 Nov 201303:39

Summary

TLDRThe film *12 Years a Slave* stands apart from earlier portrayals of slavery by focusing on Solomon Northup, a free man from the North kidnapped and sold into slavery. Unlike previous films that either romanticized or oversimplified slavery, the movie, directed by Steve McQueen, offers a brutally honest account of the inhumane system. Through the powerful performance of Chiwetel Ejiofor as Northup, the film challenges past depictions, such as *Gone with the Wind* and *Roots*, providing an unflinching look at the realities of slavery and its enduring legacy.

Takeaways

  • 😀 The film *12 Years a Slave* focuses on the true story of Solomon Northup, a free man from the North who was kidnapped and sold into slavery.
  • 😀 Unlike previous slavery films, *12 Years a Slave* highlights the brutal reality of slavery rather than romanticizing it.
  • 😀 Chiwetel Ejiofor's portrayal of Solomon Northup is described as a 'tour de force,' showcasing a man struggling to maintain his humanity while enduring unimaginable hardships.
  • 😀 The movie exposes the false narratives of earlier films, like *Gone with the Wind*, which depicted slaves living in harmony with their owners.
  • 😀 *12 Years a Slave* is a significant break from previous portrayals of slavery, revealing the horrors of the system rather than glossing over them.
  • 😀 Film historian Dexter Gabriel criticizes older films like *Roots* for attempting to mask slavery under broader immigrant stories.
  • 😀 *Amistad* (1997) is seen by Gabriel as a missed opportunity, as it focuses more on a courtroom drama than the actual brutality of slavery.
  • 😀 Quentin Tarantino's *Django Unchained* is considered an unrealistic take on slavery, presenting it as an absurdist fantasy rather than a historical reality.
  • 😀 *12 Years a Slave* offers a raw and honest portrayal of slavery, which some argue is even too harsh for some audiences to handle.
  • 😀 The film provides an opportunity for reflection on the history of slavery and its long-lasting effects on society.

Q & A

  • What is the focus of the film '12 Years a Slave'?

    -'12 Years a Slave' focuses on the true story of Solomon Northup, a free man from the North who was kidnapped and sold into slavery, unlike previous slavery films that typically depicted enslaved people from the South.

  • How does the film '12 Years a Slave' differ from earlier slavery films?

    -The film differs from earlier slavery films like 'Gone with the Wind' by offering a more realistic and brutal portrayal of slavery, showing the violence and dehumanization that occurred, rather than romanticizing the relationships between slaves and owners.

  • What role does Chiwetel Ejiofor play in '12 Years a Slave'?

    -Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Solomon Northup, delivering a powerful performance that showcases Northup's emotional and physical suffering as he tries to survive and maintain his dignity in the face of brutal slavery.

  • What does Dexter Gabriel, the film historian, say about the film's portrayal of slavery?

    -Dexter Gabriel praises the film for exposing the harsh realities of slavery and criticizing earlier films like 'Gone with the Wind' for presenting a distorted, idealized view of slavery, which he believes misrepresented the true experiences of enslaved people.

  • What criticism does Dexter Gabriel have of films like 'Gone with the Wind'?

    -Dexter Gabriel criticizes 'Gone with the Wind' for presenting an unrealistic portrayal of slaves living in harmony with their owners, creating a nostalgic and false image of the relationship between slaves and their masters.

  • How does 'Roots' (1977) compare to earlier portrayals of slavery?

    -'Roots' is considered the first major attempt to expose the brutality of slavery, but it did so by focusing on the broader African-American experience, which Gabriel believes somewhat diluted the focus on slavery itself.

  • What does Dexter Gabriel think of the film 'Amistad'?

    -Dexter Gabriel views 'Amistad' as a missed opportunity, criticizing its focus on a courtroom drama and founding fathers instead of fully exploring the realities of slavery and the slave mutiny.

  • How does 'Django Unchained' depict slavery, according to Gabriel?

    -Gabriel describes 'Django Unchained' as an unrealistic, absurdist tale that focuses on a black man fighting back against plantation masters in a vigilante style, rather than portraying the real horrors of slavery.

  • What is the central theme of '12 Years a Slave'?

    -The central theme of '12 Years a Slave' is survival and resilience. It portrays how Solomon Northup endures the brutal conditions of slavery while striving to maintain his humanity and mental strength.

  • How does '12 Years a Slave' encourage reflection on the history of slavery?

    -By presenting an uncompromising look at the brutality of slavery, '12 Years a Slave' encourages viewers to reflect on the long and painful history of slavery and its lasting impact on the world.

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Etiquetas Relacionadas
Slavery FilmsHistorical DramaSolomon NorthupSteve McQueenFilm AnalysisAmerican HistoryRealism in CinemaHollywood HistorySlavery PortrayalCinematic ReflectionCultural Impact
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