12 Years a Slave

McQueen incorporates themes and realities of Hunger and Shame into masterful epic that chains his cinematic genius to a more conventionally narrative true story.  Ejiofor’s nuanced lead is perfectly served by empowered innocence of newcomer Nyong’o and impressively humanized inhumanity of Fassbender and Paulson, while producer Pitt plays weakest link.

Hunger

Other Steve McQueen makes an unbelievably well shot film and hangs on shots forever to make sure everyone notices. Slight segue issues between speech-free majority and 16-minute one-shot mini-play. Fassbender performs incredibly and pulls a Christian Bale midway through. Disturbing how enthralling a dark topic can be if handled properly.