Steve McQueen took a major leap to the mainstream with what many have called the ultimate movie about slavery in America, an extremely discomforting look at Solomon Northup's (Chiwetel Ejiofor) quest to extricate himself from slavery against horrific circumstances. As in McQueen's previous films Hunger and Shame, he absolutely refuses to shy away from the abject horror of his subject matter, depicting the vile nature of the slave owners' acts with no convenient cutaways, as well as no-holds-barred performances from the likes of Michael Fassbender and Paul Dano. On the slave side, Ejiofor is mesmerising as Northup, and Lupita Nyong'o won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her magnificent work as Patsey, bringing enormous gravitas to one of the darkest periods in American history. And if this isn't enough of an endorsement, the movie also won Best Picture at least year's Academy Awards.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
