Book
To Film:
12 Years a Slave
12 Years a Slave
The
book and film adaptation of 12 Years a Slave contrast largely from time to
time, but they are able to hold the same spirit in both forms. Both are
impressive and immersive pieces of art, and both are pretty outstanding. In
this essay, in a continuing series from last month, I will be examining both
the original book written by Solomon Northup and the movie adaptation directed
by Steve McQueen. In doing so I will give my opinion on both and talk about the
differences between the two.
The Book
As far as autobiographies
from the 1800s go (or at least those that I’ve actually read) this is a pretty
great one. It’s a tragic book, and it’s often hard to read about Solomon’s
harrowing experiences with slavery and at the same time is oddly compelling and
fascinating to read. It is also a very important book because it depicts
slavery first hand. The most surprising thing about Solomon’s writing is how he
describes the lighter side of slavery as well as the dark. He talks about his
first master William Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch in the film) and Samuel Bass,
the man who helped him regain his freedom (Brad Pitt in the film) with great
respect and admiration. That being said, the prominent dark side of slavery is
very vivid and brutal. This is personified by the likes of Theophilus Freeman (Paul
Giamatti), John Tibeats (Paul Dano) and most notably Edwin Epps (Michael
Fassbender) as a brutal slave master. It is shocking that people this uncaring
and violent ever existed, and I suppose still exist today. Not many books I’ve
are as heartbreaking and true as this one. It is without a doubt an important
book, and even more so a great one.
The Film
If
the book is the definitive written work on slavery, then the adaptation is the
definitive film about slavery. It may not be as fun as Tarantino’s Django
Unchained, but is a more serious, more important, and an all around better
movie, which is a major feet when comparing something to Tarantino. The book
can be hard to read at times, but the film is a much harder thing to watch. The
violence in the film is visceral and graphic, and definitely not for the week
of heart or stomach. Going into the movie having read the book, I knew about
the violence that was going to be shown. Even then it takes you by surprise.
Amazingly it also manages to be a beautiful movie. It makes an interesting and
effective contrast. The film is led by Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon, and he
really is the backbone of the movie. He should probably win best actor at the
Oscars this year. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if this totally sweeps the
awards ceremony. It is a pretty fantastic film
The Transition
The
film is as good an adaptation as your ever going to get, but it’s not always
the most faithful one. While the movie definitely captures the soul of the
book, it sometimes jumbles its facts. There are more than a few minor changes,
like lines of dialogue given to different characters, but there are also a few
major changes. For example, there is a whole section where there is a second
encounter with Tibeats after he nearly hangs him. In this scene Solomon and
Tibeats fight again, with Tibeats nearly killing him with an axe. Solomon ends
up running away through the swamps until he reaches William Fords plantation
again for refuge. This is entirely absent from the movie. The characterization
of Edwin Epps also contrasted with what I pictured in the book. This is by no
means a complaint though as I thought Fassbender played his part to perfection,
just not what I had imagined. In the end, when it comes down to the spirit of
the book the film matches it perfectly.
Conclusion
For
me, this is one of those times that the film exceeds the book. They were both
great, but the film just reached levels that the book couldn’t in the end.
-
The Novel: 10/10 – Compellingly written and timelessly potent.
-
The Film: 10/10 – Beautiful and brutal with a great ensemble and
perfect filmmaking.
