Introduction
The visceral depiction of American slavery in the film 12 Years a Slave (2013) serves as a thought-provoking narrative that can confront different types of audiences with a raw depiction of a shameful period in American history. The film was directed by the visionary filmmaker Steve McQueen and is based on Solomon Northup’s autobiographical account. 12 Years a Slave should be regarded as an exploration of African American culture, stereotypes, controversies, and revolutionary filmmaking techniques.
Background Information
Steve McQueen is a British director renowned for his aesthetically rigorous and emotionally challenging films. Thus, produced on a budget of $22 million, 12 Years a Slave impressively grossed more than $187 million worldwide, manifesting its global resonance. One of the secrets of the film’s success is that it intensely relays the ordeal of Solomon Northup, a free Black man from New York who was sold as a slave in the 1840s (Islamy & Irawan, 2023). The dramatic story of slavery, masterfully presented as a piece of cinema art, attracted global public attention.
Analysis
It is important to note that 12 Years a Slave can leave a lasting impression on viewers, primarily due to its candid portrayal of issues associated with slavery. McQueen (2013) employed long, uninterrupted shots to reflect the harsh reality of slavery, illustrating the relentless suffering of enslaved Africans. In this context, the film’s narrative intensity, meticulous historical detailing, and outstanding performances make it a groundbreaking work in cinema.
One should note that 12 Years a Slave subverts traditional stereotypes about slavery by portraying Northup as an educated, cultured protagonist. This approach seems to challenge the monolithic narrative of enslaved Africans as ignorant or submissive (Islamy & Irawan, 2023). It also sheds light on the complex dynamics between slave masters and slaves, revealing the occasional tenderness, consistent brutality, and underlying power dynamics.
Additionally, the film sparked controversy due to its graphic and explicit scenes of violence and cruelty. Some critics argued that such scenes were rather excessive and could be avoided. However, McQueen defended this approach, stating that it was necessary to portray the true horrors of slavery (Pakaya et al., 2021). It was necessary to follow a realistic approach, without minimizing the brutal realities of the era.
One should state that 12 Years a Slave was quite revolutionary in its unflinching depiction of slavery. By focusing on Northup’s subjective experience, McQueen (2013) brought a personal, humanistic perspective to the history of slavery. It was also groundbreaking in terms of its casting, featuring a Black protagonist and supporting characters with depth and complexity. These roles were fully realized and central to the narrative.
Black culture in the film is portrayed in a complex and multifaceted way. Thus, enslaved people are shown maintaining their dignity, humanity, and cultural practices amidst extreme adversity. This approach follows the key idea of the film (Pakaya et al., 2021). Furthermore, the scenes of communal singing and spiritual rituals reveal a sense of shared identity and resistance against oppressive circumstances.
Finally, it is important to note that this film was chosen for analysis because it offers a vivid, unsettling, yet essential insight into America’s history of slavery. 12 Years a Slave is not just a film about a man’s fight for freedom. It is a broader commentary on the inhumanity of slavery, the enduring spirit of those enslaved, and the resilience of Black culture (Islamy & Irawan, 2023). It provides a cinematic experience that informs, challenges, and evokes deep emotional responses.
Conclusion
12 Years a Slave is a profound and deeply affecting film that has significantly contributed to the discourse on American slavery. It goes beyond the surface-level narrative, highlighting the complexity of Black culture and exposing the grim realities of slavery. Despite the controversy, the film’s revolutionary approach to portraying a harrowing chapter of American history has made it a critical piece of cinema, offering audiences an opportunity to reflect on and learn from the past.
References
Islamy, A. R., & Irawan, A. M. (2023). Discriminatory discourses against Black people in the “12 Years a Slave” movie: A critical discourse study. English Language and Literature, 12(1), 184-194.
McQueen, S. (Director). (2013). 12 Years a Slave [Film]. Entertainment One.
Pakaya, M. F., Mariana, A., & Husain, D. (2021). Analysis of racism in the “12 Years a Slave” movie directed by Steve McQueen. Journal of English Language Teaching, Linguistics, and Literature Studies, 1(2), 1-12.