Analysis
In the following section, you can read our suggestions for an analysis of the film 12 Years a Slave, directed by Steve McQueen.
The film follows a mostly chronological structure, although flashbacks and flashforwards are used in places to highlight the contrast between Solomon’s life as a slave and his former life as a free man. The film can be said to contain a classic three-act structure, with each act marking a stage in Solomon’s life.
The main character is Solomon Northup, who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the Deep South. His interactions with plantation owners such as William Ford and Edwin Epps show the different ways in which slave owners justified their status. Characters like Tibeats illustrate the racism of that time period. Characters such as Patsey and Eliza provide other experiences of enslaved African Americans. Characters such as Mistress Epps, Armsby, and Bass show the different ways in which white people viewed slavery.
The setting is the US in the 1840s. The film begins in Saratoga, New York, where Solomon is free and a respected carpenter and violinist, and then presents other locations such as Washington, New Orleans, and the Deep South. Plantations are important elements of the physical setting as they illustrate the terrible conditions imposed on slaves. The story spans the course of twelve years and makes use of time skips, presenting only important events.
Various cinematic devices are also used to tell Northup’s story. Scenic shots provide a contrast between the beauty of the natural landscape and the brutality experienced by slaves, while at the same time being used to mark the passage of time. Lighting is often used to highlight the tensions and conflicts between the character. In terms of sound, ominous music is used in passages of high tension, while diegetic sounds help immerse the viewer in the story.
In terms of symbols and motifs, Solomon’s violin is an important element and can be said to have many symbolical significances. Singing and music are important motives as characters often sing when they work or when they want to encourage themselves.
You can read a full analysis of the film in the following pages.
Excerpt from the study guide:
