Henrick Vartanian
New Movies: acclaimed director Steve McQueen (SHAME) has assembled an impressive cast for his latest film 12 YEARS A SLAVE, the true story of Solomon Northup, a freeman, who was kidnapped in 1841 and forced into slavery at a cotton plantation in Louisiana.
Chiwetel Ejiofor, portrays Solomon – great casting of an underrated actor with amazing talent, and onscreen presence, if you asked us. Ejiofor is supported by what seems to be a dream-casting. These things don’t happen without somebody giving away a body part or their first born. Jokes aside, it shows that there are still plenty of actors in Hollywood who want to get involved in telling important, inspiring stories, under the guidance of a crafty director like McQueen.
Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Garret Dillahunt, Paul Giamatti, Scoot McNairy, Lupita Nyong’o, Adepero Oduye, Sarah Paulson, Brad Pitt, Michael Kenneth Williams, Alfre Woodard, Chris Chalk, Taran Killam and Bill Camp. Yes, they all star in this film.
Another wish-come-true, for us film lovers at Brave New Hollywood, is the pairing of Brad Pitt and Micheal Fassbender. This is a twosome we want to see exchange artistic jabs on the big screen.
Here is a first look at the trailer from the anticipated film, which celebrates Northup’s remarkable journey from free man to slave, and back to freedom.
Must-know: SOLOMON NORTHUP DAY was established in 1999 to keep Solomon’s legacy alive. This year his descendants will present new historic information and his great-great-great grand-daughter will perform a violin selection in his honor. SOLOMON NORTHUP DAY will be held on July 20, 2013 at Skidmore College in Filene Hall in Saratoga Springs, NY from 12pm until 4pm. The event is open to the public.
12 YEARS A SLAVE will be released byFox Searchlight Pictures on October 18, 2013 in select theaters.