Movies of a Petite Aspie

Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, and Chiwetel Ejiofor Director: Steve McQueen Stars: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt Genre(s): Biography; Drama; History Release Date: November 8, 2013 Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97% 12 Years a Slave is one of those rare movies that is magnificent yet not one that can be viewed multiple times; it is so masterfully executed, but equally terrifyingly difficult to watch.  It more than lives up to the hype, and is currently the top contender for Best Picture at the 2014 Oscars (airing March 2).  But, with its scenes of torture, rape, and the like, the film is not exactly cheerful; merely, it presents slavery as it happened, as realistically as can be done, without making it seem less severe or terrible than it was. 12 Years a Slave tells the true story of Solomon Northup, Chiwetel Ejiofor ( American Gangster ), a free man who had made a great life for himself and his children and...

The Devil’s Double , director Lee Tamahori’s bloody yet enlightening drama , is about Latif, an Iraqi soldier who is forced to be the body double of President Saddam Hussein’s son, Uday. It is unknown why exactly it is necessary for Uday to have a double, although perhaps it is partially to enable him to continue his hard-partying ways.  Latif yearns to help his country, yet he possess a strong moral compass and is unwilling to participate in this dangerous venture, until his family is threatened.  Uday is much more than merely a womanizer, and his lavish designer duds and showy cars make it easier for him to essentially do whatever he wants.  Latif develops feelings for Uday’s mistress, Sarrab (French actress Ludivine Sagnier), who reciprocates.      The movie was filmed in various parts of Malta, which seems to be a thoroughly appropriate location that contrasts stunning desert landscapes with the bustling streets of Baghdad...