Tuesday, July 16, 2013

12 Years A Slave - Chiwetel Please Become Uibiqutous


The Internet is abuzz with reactions to the trailer to 12 Years A Slave (2013) that dropped yesterday. I wanted to join the party celebrating one of my most anticipated movies of the year. My enthusiasm has much to do with Chiwetel Ejiofor. 

I have loved him for years. I don't know when it started, probably around Dirty Pretty Things (2002) where he was so understated yet powerfully emotional. He seemed to be be on the brink for breaking out forever. Not Woody Allen, not Ridley Scott, not Alfonso Cuaron quite did it for Chewitel. Hopefully this collaboration with Steve McQueen will be just the ticket.

And of course this movie being the 3rd attempt by McQueen and Fassy to prove they are the best contemporary actor/director combo s another reason to celebrate. May they continue to try ruling our cinematic world.

The trailer itself looks good despite being completely cut to sell the movie as the most Oscar bait of the Oscar season i.e. obvious and we seen it before. Still it showcases both Ejiofor and Fassbender in a couple of good moments. I've always thought that Brad Pitt is a mediocre actor but can be magnetic onscreen when given the "right" star turn. Think Thelma and Louise (1991) or The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)Here's hoping he doesn't pull us out of this harrowing story with his amateurish attempts at emoting. The movie looks to be giving a lot of actors of color opportunities at meaty moments, which is always something to celebrate.

Here's hoping the movie is as good as it promises and that Chiwetel finally becomes the major actor we've all been waiting for.



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