BBC Sherlock Fan Forum - Serving Sherlockians since February 2012 / 12 Years a Slave

**Posted by NW16XE** October 11, 2012 1:14 pm

I've been looking for anything about this film, and not finding much except a bare-bones IMDb profile. Anyone have any links for it?

**Posted by Davina** October 11, 2012 4:55 pm

There's a fair bit to be found if you Google it but a lot is repetitive about cast etc. However the following links may be useful:

For the detail about the book on which the film is based:
http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve_Year_a_Slave

Here are a couple of other links about the film itself:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2012/jun/01/benedict-cumberbatch-twelve-years-a-slave
http://www.firstshowing.net/2012/first-look-quvenzhane-wallis-chiwetel-ejiofor-in-12-years-a-slave/

And also the following on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jylbPcDJTOQ

Last edited by Davina (February 25, 2013 12:57 pm)

**Posted by NW16XE** October 12, 2012 3:49 am

Thanks, Davina! When I Googled it, none of this came up. You do have the magic touch.

**Posted by Davina** February 25, 2013 12:55 pm

More information on Twelve Years a Slave which is now in post-production. It is directed by Steve McQueen (Shame, Hunger) and co-written by Steve and John Ridley. Great cast including Benedict (of course) Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Chewetel Ejiofor.

There are some release dates starting to be given:
Brazil 6 September 2013
Sweden 1 November 2013
Denmark 21 November 2013
New Zealand 6 February 2014

I will try to keep this updated with other release dates as they are given.

**Posted by Davina** February 27, 2013 8:26 am

More information, photos, exactions to initial screening I.e. not the finished work) can be found on the following Tumblr account

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/12%20years%20a%20slave

What might disappoint some is that Benedict is on screen for only about 15-20 minutes but then they do have a real historical event/story to follow. Also both Benedict and Fassy have Southern American accents.

**Posted by Davina** March 2, 2013 11:20 pm

It is being suggested that this film may be chosen for the Cannes Film Festival. The President of the festival this year is Steven Spielberg. There is some concern among some observers that this Presidency may be averly influenced by the Hollywood machine. Hopefully not!

**Posted by Davina** March 7, 2013 11:30 am

YouTube short presentation about the director Steve McQueen generally and this film. Lots about Michael Fassbender but Benedict does get a mention and a photo!

Twelve Years a Slave: Steve McQueen 2013-Beyond the Trailer

Sadly the link won't work, so if you're interested type the title above into the YouTube search folks.

Last edited by Davina (March 7, 2013 11:32 am)

**Posted by Davina** March 21, 2013 6:30 pm

Not confirmed and may be nonsense but this film may be shown at the Cannes Film Festival this summer.

**Posted by Davina** March 28, 2013 8:47 pm

Another release date and it is a biggie! US December 27th 2013.

**Posted by Davina** March 30, 2013 8:37 am

The US release day is a very important one. This is the final week of awards for 2013 so this placement enhances the film being nominated for the Oscars. Still waiting for a UK release date.

**Posted by Davina** April 3, 2013 5:04 am

It has just received its certification of R. I expect it will be an 18 in the UK. Apparently the US release may be limited. Not really sure what that really means.

**Posted by Sherli Bakerst** April 3, 2013 11:09 pm

A limited release means a movie will only be shown in a few theaters, usually LA and NYC. When this is done at the end of a year, it's because the producers want it to qualify for that year's Oscars, because a movie needs to be shown in public for a certain length of time to qualify. (I forget how long but I'm guessing one week.) Then, a week later--usually--the movie will open in wide release in many more cities and theaters nationwide; how many cities is variable.

When that happens, I'll be able to see it since my area is not one where limited-release movies generally open. I really want to see this film!

**Posted by KeepersPrice** April 4, 2013 12:43 am

Davina wrote:
Another release date and it is a biggie! US December 27th 2013.

Funny if this is the same night Sherlock Series 3 airs in the UK.

**Posted by Davina** April 4, 2013 1:50 am

Ah! Thanks for the explanation. I thought I might be something like that. It will not be easy watching (none of Steve's films are: Hunger and Shame the latter of which should definitely have been nominated for an Oscar or five). It will also not be the sort of film you tend to get out of Hollywood i.e. a happy ending. His films are always very strong on visualisation and are experiential. He is never scared to use the camera in innovative ways and also to have very still, composed set-pieces. I am a bit sad because there is a fantastic exhibition of his work on in Switzerland at the moment.

Being involved with such an up-and-coming director and cast is another fantastic opportunity for Benedict. Indie film kudos!

**Posted by Davina** April 20, 2013 10:11 pm

This film will NOT be at the Cannes Film Festival. Most likely reasons that it won't be ready in time (it is in post-production at the moment).

**Posted by Davina** April 21, 2013 2:23 pm

Yay! UK release date...24 January 2014.
US 27 December 2013
Sweden 31January 2014
New Zealand 6 February 2014

Benedict plays the part of William Ford.

**Posted by SusiGo** April 21, 2013 3:25 pm

Germany:
23 January 2014

**Posted by Davina** April 21, 2013 4:46 pm

**Posted by SusiGo** April 21, 2013 4:46 pm

Seems we're lucky over here.

**Posted by Davina** May 1, 2013 5:51 am

Hans Zimmer is scoring the music for this film. Has the potential for an Oscar for that alone.

Last edited by Davina (May 15, 2013 6:16 pm)