12 Years a Slave isn’t easy to watch, admits cinematographer Sean Bobbitt

12 Years a Slave doesn’t give its audience an easy time, considering the way it has been portrayed by Sean Bobbitt – the movie’s cinematographer.

He goes on to explain the reception of his work on the film, in saying, “As we were shooting 12 Years, there was a feeling that we were doing something a bit different. It has certainly gotten people speaking and is developing a life far greater than anything we could have possibly imagined.”

Speaking of the attention that the film has received, not only did the busy cinematographer receive a Bafta nomination but also an invitation to the Oscars as well for his dazzling work.

Yet this isn’t the first time that Bobbitt has worked with McQueen as they have been together for the past 13 years. In understanding each other so well, they did decide to keep things simple.

As he goes on to explain, there was no trickery needed or even the need to portray it as a documentary or even a gritty drama. Yet they wanted to focus on the fact that Louisiana was a beautiful place – images that have made it to the movie’s final cut.

In the absence of which, the cinematographer believes that people would have not stuck with the film as they have.

As for the parts that have caused critics and moviegoers great discomfort, one can’t help but forget scenes where Northup is left hanging with only his toes touching the ground or even when he is forced to lash Patsey for leaving the plantation to find soap.