Cinematic devices

The film 12 Years a Slave directed by Steve McQueen makes use of a variety of cinematic devices. Camera angles and perspectives draw the viewers into the story, while helping them empathize with the main character and what he is going through. Lighting provides atmosphere and creates tension in certain scenes. The film makes use of both diegetic and non-diegetic sounds. Songs and music are important to the story and many times provide a background to significant events.

Camera

The film 12 Years a Slave uses a wide variety of camera angles and techniques as part of its storytelling process. The way the camera moves and the perspective from which a scene is shot adds to the emotional effect of the story, helping viewers have a better understanding of what Solomon is going through.

The film uses a variety of wide shots. These often highlight Solomon’s isolation, as he seems suddenly alone in a world that refuses to offer him any justice. One of the most effective wide shots can be seen after Solomon discovers he has been kidnapped and is now in Burch’s slave pen. Solomon calls for help from the dungeon, and the camera shows an image of Washington with the Capitol building in the background (00:16:14). The image has the effect of showing just how alone Solomon is, and how no one seems to care about his struggles. In more general terms, the shot could also symbolically show how people in the US went on with their lives for years while slavery was legal and accepted.

It is important to not...