Ejiofor’s performance is powerful and moving, he utilises the freedom offered by McQueen’s trusting direction to play out the subtle emotions of Solomon to sensational effect. It is Solomon’s underlying strength of spirit that make this a genuinely compelling film. Even as Solomon is tested and his character is subsequently affected by his many trials, there remains his latent determination not to let it get the better of himself. Juxtaposed with sadistic antagonist Edwin Epps, a tyrannical slave owner played strikingly by Michael Fassbender, whose erratic and violent behaviour incites great fear. The scenes between Ejiofor and Fassbender prove to be the most gripping, making it easy to forget you are watching two actors rather than real people. The character of the victimised and childlike Patsey serves as a fantastic breakthrough role for the unknown Lupita Nyong’o. She plays Patsey well, with an innocence that acts as a shield to the growing threat of Edwin Epps, who views her as his prized possession. Like Solomon, audiences will feel a sympathetic desire to protect Patsey, a desire that is ultimately futile.
12 Years A Slave is able to elicit an emotional response without exploiting its content for dramatic purposes. This is aided by the complementary score of the masterful Hans Zimmer. One scene in particular which sees Paul Dano’s creepy and violent character rise into a murderous temper accompanied by an ascending throng of electrical guitars. The music consistently plays to the tone of scenes without overpowering them.Grace is a first year student of English and Creative Writing. She prefers films to real people and has often been referred to as a human incarnation of IMDB for her extensive cinematic knowledge. Grace also has her own film review blog and Tumblr.
Following the passing of iconic Stone Roses and Primal Scream Bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mountfield, there have been growing calls for him to be immortalised in a way that reflects both his cultural impact and the deep affection shared between the musician and his home city. GRIT Studios has answered the calls from fans, announcing plans…
Featured image: Evie Peattie Often overshadowed in popular narratives by the heritage houses of Paris or Milan, London’s fashion ecosystem has long traded on creative freedom. As London Fashion Week prepares for its 42nd year, running from the 19 to 23 February, the British capital is poised to reaffirm its reputation not simply as a…
Featured image: Sebastian Garraway Beats vibrate through a polished floor. Bodies move with a swinging grace, surrendering to the rhythm without hesitation. An instinctual sliding jig sways wide-legged jeans cut just above the ankle. Sweat drips from sharp scissor-cut hairstyles onto porous Fred Perry polos. You’ve guessed it: Northern Soul. The late 1960s phenomenon is…
Featured image: Evangeline Causton Local lad Harry Styles will take to the stage at Manchester’s Co-op Live for the city’s first-ever Brit Awards, before returning for his one-night-only show on March 6 to celebrate the arrival of his fourth album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. When cryptic billboards bearing the words “WE BELONG TOGETHER” appeared across Manchester city…
Leave a reply