12 years a slave reflection/essay

          Learning in new ways with different materials is often helpful in expanding our knowledge, especially in history, when most get used to only reading out of a textbook. Movies such as "Lincoln", "Hacksaw Ridge", and "Hidden Figures", are all in my opinion movies which accurately illustrate events from the past and what that time period was like. These films help one to fully grasp and put oneself in another's shoes. Although details may be added to these movies to make them more interesting, if it does not effect the way one views what happened at that point in history, then it is helpful in our understanding of the past. For example producers often add new characters, or conversation to a story so that the audience does not get bored and continues to watch the film, if these changes are just for effect and change nothing about events in history then they are okay. On the other hand movies can often be interpreted wrong and teach us inaccurate information about the past. It is important to already have knowledge on the topic when watching a film about the past, so that one is able to point out what is fact and what is fiction. Movies should not be the initial and primary factor one uses to study history. A film should be used after gaining knowledge on a topic to help one fully understand and empathize with stories, characters, and events throughout history. The film "12 Years a Slave" is portrayed in a way where one may empathize for the main character, Solomon Norththup and start to comprehend what it was like to be a slave. It is evident that this understanding is depicted correctly, because the film is based off of a Narrative which Solomon wrote himself.
          Not every historical movie can captivate an audience enough, nor can it highlight every detail correctly, but the film "12 Years a slave" definitely did. The review by the New York Times mentions that the director, Mr.McQueen moves the story along with such meticulous fluency that one gets so caught up in the story of Solomon and his travels, rather than the emotions to keep one in their seat rather than leaving in tears. This is done because it helps us understand what it was like to be a slave and empathize with Solomon without completely having to put ourselves in a situation as horrific as his. Another example of this is described in a review by The Guardian, which states "12 Years a Slave is not an easy watch and nor should it be. But with the exception of a somewhat distracting third-act cameo by co-producer Brad Pitt, it is pitched pretty near perfectly in terms of sheer narrative craftsmanship." Which expresses how exquisite the film was portrayed relative to the narrative by Solomon.
          The slave narrative 12 Years a Slave, written by Solomon Northup was very similar to the film. The reason the film was so helpful in learning about the lives of slaves was because of Solomon's narrative. His narrative made it so easy to turn into a movie because of his descriptions and detailed stories of his life. The narrative not only painted a picture of his life in an understanding way, but it also helped one to relate to him because he started off a free man. In the narrative 12 Years a Slave Solomon initially characterized his life as a "happy and prosperous life," later he makes evident on page 113 that his life was no longer what it used to be, he felt unutterable misery and anguish. He was convinced his life would be dominated by inconceivable chastising. The contrast between his first and second statement help the audience to realize how easily one could go from a normal life to living in fear and pain. This assists the reader in empathizing and fully understanding what it was like to be a slave. 
          The film and narrative 12 Years a Slave not only properly depicted Solomon's life, but they also gave the audience insight and understanding that one could not obtain through a history textbook. The film captivated its audience by the emotion and the way the story was told. Because of the intriguing story of Solomon's life, it causes one to engage in the movie and learn more about history then they may have even noticed. Films are often helpful in learning about history, but one must understand a subject and study it before watching the movie. This is important in knowing the difference between fact and what was simply placed in the movie for effect. A movie can not only help one to learn something they may not have already known but it also helps one to empathize with those from the past.

Solomon Northups 12 Years a slave narrative cover 

Sources:

Slave Narrative - Solomon Northup: 12 Years a Slave
Film Review - The Gaurdian
Film Review  - New York Times