12 Years a Slave
12 Years a Slave (2013)
“The extraordinary true story of Solomon Northup.”
Synopsis & Story Arc
Official Logline
In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life.
Complete Cast & Crew Directory
Directing & Screenplay
Cast & Characters
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Chiwetel Ejiofor
as Solomon Northup
Michael Fassbender
Michael Fassbender
as Edwin Epps
Lupita Nyong'o
Lupita Nyong'o
as Patsey
Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict Cumberbatch
as William Ford
Paul Dano
Paul Dano
as John Tibeats
Sarah Paulson
Sarah Paulson
as Mary Epps
Adepero Oduye
Adepero Oduye
as Eliza
Scoot McNairy
Scoot McNairy
as Brown
Paul Giamatti
Paul Giamatti
as Theophilus Freeman
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt
as Samuel Bass
Michael Kenneth Williams
Michael Kenneth Williams
as Robert
Alfre Woodard
Alfre Woodard
as Mistress ShawCinematography & Large-Format Specifications
Cinematographic negative, aspect ratios & laboratory mastering sheet
| Aspect Ratios | 2.39:1 |
|---|---|
| Camera Systems | Arri Alexa LF / Panavision Millennium DXL2 |
| Negative Format | 35mm / 65mm / Digital Master |
| Printed Film Format | 70mm / DCP Master |
| Sound Mix Formats | Dolby AtmosDTS:X5.1 Surround |
| Laboratory / VFX | Technicolor / Double Negative (DNEG) |
| Color Processing | Color (Rec.709 / DCI-P3 Mastering) |
| Official Runtime | 134 min |
Behind The Scenes
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GlobalCineDB Consensus Score
Weighted consensus from 100K+ verified global cinephile ratings
Community Reviews & Discussions (3)
The pipe organ composition from Hans Zimmer at the edge of Gargantua is monumental. Nolan masterfully balances the vast coldness of relativistic astrophysics with the intimate, multidimensional bond of family. A transcendent achievement of cinema.
"Do not go gentle into that good night, Rage, rage against the dying of the light." Michael Caine reciting Dylan Thomas resonates throughout the entire odyssey. Pure cinematic grandeur.