An unblinking portrait of slavery in '12 Years'

In Steve McQueen's "12 Years a Slave," Solomon Northop, a free man from upstate New York who's kidnapped and sold into slavery in Louisiana played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, is hung for daring to strike an abusive and imbecilic plantation hand (Paul Dano). He's cut down, but only just barely enough to reach the ground. McQueen captures it all in one long, agonizing take, as Northop is left dangling, shuffling excruciatingly on his tiptoes.