MovieChat Forums > 12 Years a Slave (2013) Discussion > Emotionally manipulative film. Its best ...

Emotionally manipulative film. Its best performance went overlooked.

posted 9 years ago by bd74
6 replies | jump to latest

Watching this film, you wouldn't guess it involved a 12-year period. It felt more it took place over a period of just a few weeks. Awkward editing and an overuse of torture/abuse. Clearly intended to tug at heartstrings. The movie, while decent, was definitely NOT deserving of the Best Picture Oscar, especially in a year that gave us The Wolf of Wall Street, August: Osage County, Captain Phillips, and Prisoners. Hell, even Man of Steel was a more worthwhile film than 12 Years a Slave. Lupita N'yongo won an Oscar, but it was actually Michael Fassbender who gave the film's best performance. Fassbender delivered an absolute masterclass in acting. Such a shame that his performance was overlooked.

~*~ For Your Consideration: Saoirse Ronan in Brooklyn ~*~

[–] spineshank6662003 9 years ago

fassbender was amazing he just happened to be in the same category as jared leto

[–] patrick_bateman_90029 9 years ago

Spineshank hit the nail on the head. What Fassbender did was a genuinely thrilling and horrifying acting masterclass but his misfortune was that "Dallas Buyers Club" was released in the same year. I gave Fassbender my Supporting win that year, but Leto's performance was as undeniably incredible.

[–] agathoular8 9 years ago

I'm just wondering the same thing.Michael Fassbender was stunning and horrifying at the same time in this role.Especially when Epps chasing Solomon in "what did you to Pats" scene even his facial expression was changed.But i have convinced myself that atleast he had a very good contender(Jared Leto).He'll get an oscar someday. 

[–] gabypanama 9 years ago

Althought I still think the movie is great, I think you nailed some of the impressions I also got: that they focused too much on tortures and abuse, maybe at the expense of exploring other sides of the characters emotions or personalities.

[–] thsweetestbitch 9 years ago

Clearly intended to tug at heartstrings.

Do you need reminding this is a true story? It really happened. Put yourself in Solomon's shoes, imagine yourself being kidnapped, then forced into slavery for many years. There's nothing manipulative, emotionally, about the film, it tells his story. It's a horrific, heartbreaking story.

I agree, Michael Fassbender should've won the Oscar for his performance - I'm watching it again, and he's absolutely terrifying.

[–] mormor_Did_it 9 years ago

Fassbender is always amazing.