Director Steve McQueen’s
highly-anticipated drama, 12 Years A Slave, is set to open nationwide Oct. 18.
Oscar buzz has been swirling for the
movie and for the film’s stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender and
newcomer Lupita Nyong’o.
The highly-anticipated film also features
Alfre Woodard, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Giamatti, Quvenzhane Wallis, Sarah
Paulson, Paul Dano, Scoot McNairy, Garrett Dillahunt, Dwight Henry, Michael K.
Williams, and Brad Pitt.
The movie, based on a true story, is a
riveting account of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was kidnapped from
New York and sold into brutal slavery in mid-1850s Louisiana, and the inspiring
story of his desperate struggle to return home to his family.
I recently caught up with Alfre Woodard
in New York to talk about her small, but pivotal role in the film. She plays Mistress Shaw, a black woman
who is married to a white man. Shaw, who is not a slave, runs the house to the
delight of her husband.
DD: How did you come to be involved in
this movie and play a role like Mistress Shaw?
AW: It was Steve McQueen. I was so excited
to get to work with him. Oh, my God, here is a new filmmaker with a voice and
is showing artistic ability.
DD: You were already a fan of McQueen’s?
AW: Yes, in fact, I was campaigning for
his film, ‘Shame’. I thought it was the best picture when it came out.
DD: So, back to how you became involved
in the movie.
AW: I was sent the script. I said, ‘yes.’
I discovered Mistress Shaw. It was a voice we hadn’t seen in American cinema.
DD: How did you find your character?
AW: First, you start naked. If it
requires you to run out naked, you do it.
DD:
McQueen has nothing but good things to say about you.
AW: Back at him. He is dangerous and
brave. You don’t half step when someone lives fully. He’s one of the ones you trust.
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