12 Years a Slave

12 Years a Slave
Frederick M. Coffin (engraved by Nathaniel Orr) · Public domain · source
Name	12 Years a Slave
Director	Steve McQueen (director)
Producer	Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Bill Pohlad, Steve McQueen (director), Arnon Milchan
Starring	Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, Sarah Paulson, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti

12 Years a Slave is a historical drama film based on the 1853 memoir Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup, a New York State-born African American who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the Southern United States. The film features an ensemble cast, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, Sarah Paulson, Paul Dano, and Paul Giamatti, and was produced by Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B Entertainment, in association with Regency Enterprises and River Road Entertainment. The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and was later screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival, before being released in the United States by Fox Searchlight Pictures.

Background

The film is based on the true story of Solomon Northup, a Saratoga Springs, New York-born African American who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the Southern United States in 1841. Northup's memoir, Twelve Years a Slave, was first published in 1853 by Derby & Miller and has since been reprinted by several publishers, including Dover Publications and Penguin Books. The film's screenplay was written by John Ridley, who is known for his work on films such as Three Kings and Red Tails, and was produced by Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B Entertainment, in association with Regency Enterprises and River Road Entertainment. The film's production team also included Hans Zimmer, who composed the film's score, and Sean Bobbitt, who served as the film's cinematographer.

Production

The film was directed by Steve McQueen (director), a British film director known for his work on films such as Hunger and Shame, and was produced by Brad Pitt's production company, Plan B Entertainment, in association with Regency Enterprises and River Road Entertainment. The film's cast includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, Sarah Paulson, Paul Dano, and Paul Giamatti, all of whom are known for their work in films such as American Gangster, X-Men: First Class, Non-Stop, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, There Will Be Blood, and Sideways. The film was shot on location in Louisiana, with filming taking place in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and St. Bernard Parish, and was edited by Joe Walker, who is known for his work on films such as Hunger and Shame.

Plot

The film tells the story of Solomon Northup, a New York State-born African American who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the Southern United States in 1841. The film follows Northup's journey as he is forced to work on a plantation in Louisiana, where he is subjected to brutal treatment by his slave owner, Edwin Epps, who is played by Michael Fassbender. The film also features Lupita Nyong'o as Patsey, a slave who is forced to work on the same plantation as Northup, and Sarah Paulson as Mary Epps, the wife of Edwin Epps. The film's plot is based on the true story of Solomon Northup, who was able to escape from slavery with the help of a Canadian abolitionist named Samuel Bass, who is played by Brad Pitt.

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim, with many critics praising the film's performances, direction, and historical accuracy. The film holds a Rotten Tomatoes approval rating of 96%, based on reviews from critics such as A.O. Scott of The New York Times and Peter Travers of Rolling Stone. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $187 million at the box office worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2013. The film was screened at several film festivals, including the Telluride Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the New York Film Festival, and was released in the United States by Fox Searchlight Pictures.

Historical Accuracy

The film is based on the true story of Solomon Northup, a New York State-born African American who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the Southern United States in 1841. The film's historical accuracy has been praised by many historians, including David Blight of Yale University and Eric Foner of Columbia University. The film's portrayal of slavery in the Southern United States has been praised for its accuracy, with many historians noting that the film's depiction of the brutal treatment of slaves is consistent with historical records. The film's historical accuracy has also been praised by organizations such as the National Park Service and the Smithsonian Institution.

Awards and Nominations

The film received widespread critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 86th Academy Awards. The film's cast and crew were also recognized with several awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama and the BAFTA Award for Best Film. The film's director, Steve McQueen (director), was also recognized with several awards, including the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing – Feature Film and the Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Director. The film's cast, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong'o, and Michael Fassbender, were also recognized with several awards, including the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture. Category:Historical drama films