12 Years a Slave

Been waiting for my Best Picture pick? It's here at number four! While I think it will win Best Picture, it isn't my personal favorite.

12 Years a Slave (2013) is the latest offering from Steve McQueen, of Hunger and Shame fame.

Impressions
The film begins with Simon Northup in bondage cutting sugar cane and trying to pen a letter. At night, a woman kisses him and gets him to give her a hand job. Neither are satisfied by the endeavor. The film jumps to Northup with his family. His wife and daughter leave him to find some work as a musician. He meets a pair of men and earns a great sum of money. At the end of their tour, they get him drunk and he wakes up in chains.

This film is as harrowing as the title suggests, but it moves well beyond the "slavery is bad" thing. It features the, much obscured, slavery passages of the bible alongside beautiful and hopeful gospel songs of the slaves. Twelve Years focuses its characters and the realities of the period. Perhaps the only slight letdown in this film is executive producer Brad Pitt who delivers a solid performance but seems really out of place.

Our Hero
Simon Northup, declared Platt by his owners, tries to maintain his character in a deplorable position. In trying to maintain his character, Northup makes several well meaning decisions that become questionable as the film moves on. He's sincerely helpless during most of this film and haunted by his memories of freedom in a few choice scenes. Chiwetel Ejiofor will likely win Best Actor for this and I couldn't agree more. His haunted portrayal underscores the common insanities of the time.

Owner and Owned Observers
Patsey is the main female slave in the film. She is the favorite of her master, Edwin Epps. She recognizes the strength of integrity in Northup and bonds with him. Her savage treatment really drives the tension between Edwin and Northup which leads to many of his more noteworthy acts. Lupita Nyong'o delivers a haunting performance that really drives home the weight of Northup's decisions.

William Ford is a slave honor who tries to treat his slaves as well as he can. He is the first to purchase Northup and helps to drive home the corrupting influence of slavery. However, he is presented as a sympathetic character and functions well to prove that all slave owners aren't Epps. Cumberbatch puts in a solid performance as always but sounds weird with an American accent, maybe it's just me.

Righteous Foe
Edwin Epps is the main antagonist and 'bad' slave owner. He is frightening in his righteous belief that he is doing God's work. His manic insantic would be comical, and sometimes borders on it, if his character weren't so menacing. Michael Fassbender really brings it home with this this character who could have easily been the downfall of this film.

Visceral Atmosphere
Best Costume should also probably go to this piece as the period attire is excellent. Every shot, no matter how terrifying is beautifully staged and shot. This is most exemplified in an extended botched hanging scene that lingers for an uncomfortable amount of time.

In the End
Northup made several choices to stay alive during his confinement, but there is one decision completely unrelated to that which haunts the rest of the film. The end text summaries are also incredibly depressing.

Overall
There was a point, halfway through the film, where my desensitization just broke down. This film features explicit torture as well as a rape scene which are horrifying, especially since it and worse actually happened. Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay are also probably going to be won by this one. I've heard McQueen's other films are just as rough and I plan to watch one of them in a few months and the other a few months after that...See 12 Years a Slave if you enjoy historical dramas or intense characterization!
10/10

Next Time: Nominee Number Three Two... Wait...

Rush

Rush (2013) is a Ron Howard film based on the lives of James Hunt and Niki Lauda

Impressions
Two formula three drivers meet and spark a rivalry that comes to a head in the 1976 Grand Prix.

Rush deals with how two men can become better through competition. The effect of James Hunt and Niki Lauda on each other is remarkable. Though most of the film focuses on the men, their significant others also have a role to play. James and Niki are treated as individuals and their struggle to deal with their love of racing and its inherent mortality rate.

Our Heroes
James Hunt is an English playboy whose passion is more for the perks than the actual racing. When he first encounters Niki, he thinks of him as just another jerk to beat on the track. However, their interactions cause him to refocus on racing and ultimately question his own reasons for being on the track.

Niki Lauda is an Austrian tactician who believes his only talent is racing. He is uncompromising about becoming the best and initially sees Hunt as just another hurdle. The role of lovable jerk is a difficult one to do right, but Niki certainly makes the cut. Many of his harder-edged moments offer a look into his desperation. He needs to be the best, and Hunt helps him find a reason.

Spousal Observers
Marlene is a socialite who chances upon Niki at a wedding. She accepts his love of of racing, but doesn't want to lose the man she loves. Marlene gives Niki something else to live for besides racing. She is everything he thought he didn't want and is part of what makes the film rise above petty rivalry.

Suzy is a fashion model who falls for the charismatic Hunt. Her effect is less about changing him and more about him failing to appreciate her. Their relationship is a dark look at the problems that the carefree Hunt has.

Racing Atmosphere
The period is reproduced in stunning detail which is expected of a big studio release. The grand prix goes all over the world, and each location is given a unique look and feeling. The crashes are vibrant, but the attention to detail is even more spectacular in the quiet moments. Most especially the scenes for Niki's honeymoon, in the rain, and at the hospital.

In the End
After a surprising (if you don't know the history) ending, Rush ends with some archival footage and a moving voiceover detailing the effect of the rivalry.

Overall
Though the film focuses the men, there are several satisfying races. The film is intensely satisfying on an emotional and adrenal level with a variety of amusing characters and heartfelt moments. I'll admit that this, much like Lincoln, is very much my type of film. If you enjoy well made docudramas, check this film out.
9/10

Argo

A version of the legendary science fiction classic gets made after over 30 years...

Argo (2012) is a CIA thriller based on the true events about the Iran Hostage Crisis of 1980.

Impressions
The film opens with the history of Iran's leaders leading up to the crisis, including the U.S.'s despicable involvement. Protests follow and demonstrators rush and take over the U.S. Embassy. Six workers escape through the back and take sanctuary in the Canadian Embassy. The State department tries some ridiculous sounding plans before turning to a top CIA expert who proposes making a movie s a cover.

Much of the intensity of Argo comes from its opening which gives us an excellent summary of events and the first look at the hostages attempting to escape the crisis. Especially after the comparison shots at the end, you really see the strive for realism that creates much of the tension in the movie. Many of these things actually happened (and to a large extent are still happening). The fact that the U.S. isn't portrayed in the best light either, is also a boon to the film. During one of the news sections, it shows a man being beaten simply for being an Iranian. We've come so far...

Our Hero
Agent Tony Mendez goes undercover as producer Kevin Harkin to get the hostages out alive. He tries to split his time between work and family, doing the best he can at it. The fact that the subplot with his family isn't neatly resolved is nice, though they do leave you with the happy ending feeling. During the mission, the tension is more on the hostages and Tony is portrayed as relaxed and in control.

The Players
The fake move side involves make artist John Chambers and producer Lester Siegel. Siegel is the only prominent character who is entirely fictional. John Chambers was an actual man who helped make the Argo project happen. Aside from their main roll in facilitating the movie end of it, they also provide a good bit of humor during the darker times in the film.

The hostages, Robert Anders, Mark Lijek, Cora Lijek, Joe Stafford, Kathy Stafford, and Lee Schatz, are put under intense pressure as they must remain in the Canadian Ambassador's house for two months as the Iranians hunt them down. The tension and stress gets just the right amount of stress. Including a subplot in which Mark blames himself for his wife's capture that leads to him initially resisting Tony's offer of escape.

Atmosphere of Crisis
The images of burning American flags and chanting in the streets is a chilling sight. The justified anger in the protestors' eyes as they lash out at whoever they can really helps sell the opening scenes. The stakes are revealed through men hung off cranes and harsh radio broadcasts. It even shows people dragged out and shot in the streets. It was a time of crisis and it comes across as hauntingly similar to what we see on the news today.

In the End
After some uneeded forced tension (that didn't actually happen) the film moves on to its actually ending. It even provides some comparison photos and a voice over by Jimmy Carter during the credits. Other than the forced tension, the ending was solid and nicely paid off.

Overall
Argo is an entertaining thriller that certainly deserves some nods at the Oscars. The cast is great and the pacing and tension are solid. It is also highly enjoyable.
8/10

Looks like I won't be getting around to the others until after the Academy Awards tonight, if at all. Zero Dark Thirty (and its controversy) really don;t interest me. I've heard such mixed reviews about the two and a half hour Le Mis that I have become thoroughly disinterested. Finally, I hated the novel for Life of Pi, so I may do a rant about the movie later (along with my thoughts on how the awards go down).

As for the best pictures nominees I've seen:

1. Lincoln
2. Django Unchained
3. Beasts of the Southern Wild
4. Amour
5. Argo
6. The Silver Linings Playbook

That would be my ranking order. We'll see how it goes tonight.

Lincoln 2012

Since, the Academy Awards are coming up, I thought I'd put out my thoughts on a few of them. I'm going to start with one of my favorites.

Lincoln (2012) is an excellent piece of historical film making by writer Tony Kushner and director Steven Spielberg.

Impressions
The film opens with scenes of Civil War combat. We cut to Lincoln speaking with two black soldiers about the abolishment of slavery. Two white soldiers interrupt by bring up Lincoln's famous Gettysburg address. They start it, but are called away before finishing. One of the black soldiers finishes it before leaving. We then see a blurry Lincoln aboard a ship headed for land in the distance. After waking up, he tells it to his wife. She believes it is about passing the 13th amendment and begs him not to destroy his popularity by trying to pass it.

This film is more about passing the 13th Amendment than an overview of Lincoln's life. Since the end result should be known, by most American viewers at least, the film focuses more on the characters and pressures that occurred while trying to pass it.

Our Hero
President Abraham Lincoln has recently been re-elected and has been through four years of the American Civil War. However, he feels the time is right to push the 13th Amendment through during the lame duck session of congress. Lincoln is portrayed masterfully by Daniel Day-Lewis as a quirky old man who enjoys telling stories. Lewis disappears into the role and brings this historic figure to life.

Political Observers

Mary Todd Lincoln is Abraham's wife. She is considered mad by the people and is very insecure about her relationship with her husband and family. She provides the most antagonism of any character, but remains largely supportive of her husband. What is most surprising is the reasons for her point of view make sense. Impressive for a 'madwoman.' She intersects with all the plotlines of this film and manages to bring something to each of them.

William H. Seward is President Lincoln's Secretary of State. It is his job to pass the 13th amendment. Though he questions the president's decisions, he nonetheless carries out his task with zeal. He appoints three men to do the dirty work for them, which provides much of the comedy in this otherwise weighty film. He is also quick to bring up the possible peace agreement with the Confederacy.

Thaddeus Stevens is the leader of the radical Republicans and is the man who wants to see the bill passed the most. He is also a humorous character, with some fantastic curses and retorts. This humor never overrides the seriousness of his purpose though. His character is treated with an interesting narrative touch, in that we get more of his personal positions than Seward, but see less of him. He is perhaps my favorite character of the film and Tommy Lee Jones is perfect as the principled man who must face his ideals if he hopes for his dream to succeed.

Robert Todd "Bob" Lincoln is Abraham's son who visits from law school. He wants to sign up for the Civil War and argues with both his parents over enlisting. He helps bring the cost of the Civil War to the Lincoln home and creates a great deal of tension in Abraham's marriage. We also get to see the most edge from Abraham's character in scenes with his son. Bob's subplot is perhaps the least important, but makes such great cinema that I'm glad it wasn't cut.

Political Foes
Representatives Fernando Wood and George Pendleton are the chief voice for the opposition to the 13th Amendment. They are pure racists with fiery vitriol for their opponents. They hatch several schemes to shut the whole process down and weed out the 'traitors' in their party.

Civil War Atmosphere
Men fighting like savages, using anything they can to kill one another or piles of uniformed corpses. There are relatively few shots of the Civil War, but all of them are gruesome and cold.  There are also some great shots of everyday life in and around the capital.

In the End
Umm, the amendment passes. Yes, there is way more to it than that.

Overall

Lincoln is a film with many threads that treats this famous event with dignity and reverence. This film does not treat its audience like they're idiots, so it might be good to at least know something about the American Civil War before watching. I'd imagine it doesn't play well to foreign audiences, but I love history from any nation, so I could be wrong. If you enjoy historical character pieces or political dramas then this is a movie you cannot miss. I watched it twice in under two days and still would watch it again anytime.
10/10

I review Spielberg's earlier films in: