12 Years a Slave · written by John Ridley and Steve McQueen · 2013

Mr. Moon introduces Solomon to Merrill Brown and Abram Hamilton, who ask to speak with the renowned violinist.

Scene 15 of 211 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Mr. Moon
Brown
Hamilton
Solomon

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 8 min into a 2:22 film

The story so farBefore scene 15

After being kidnapped from New York and sold into slavery, Solomon Northup uses his skills and carefully placed trust to survive and seek a way back to his family.

Scene 1
A butcher carries a sheep from its pen into the slaughter shed; the killing follows in scene 2, while scene 1 establishes the image of captivity.
Scene 9
Jasper asks how he might escape, and Solomon says to “watch your opportunities and strike for freedom”; this is a reading of the line as the story’s theme of waiting for a chance to act.
Just before
Scene 12
Solomon and Anne tuck the children into bed and kiss them good night.
Scene 13
Solomon and Anne prepare for bed in a quiet routine that shows their settled marriage.
Scene 14
Anne and the children leave by carriage for their trip while Solomon waves them off and urges them to travel safely.
Scene 15
This scene

15EXT. STREET - DAY

Solomon is now out for a stroll. As he crosses near MR. MOON'S TAVERN, he passes two men - two in particular - who stand outside conversing with MR. MOON himself: MERRILL BROWN and ABRAM HAMILTON. Brown is about 40, with a countenance indicating shrewdness and intelligence. Hamilton is closer to 25, a man of fair complexion and light eyes. Both are finely, if perhaps a bit garishly, dressed. Hamilton, as Solomon describes him, slightly effeminate.

Moon, spotting Solomon:

MR. MOON

Call the Devil's name... There he

is now. Mr. Northup... I have

two gentlemen who should make your

acquaintance. Messrs. Brown and

Hamilton.

BROWN

Sir.

MR. MOON

Mr. Northup, these two gentlemen

were inquiring about distinguished

individuals, and I was just this

very moment telling them that

Solomon Northup is an expert

player on the violin.

HAMILTON

He was indeed.

SOLOMON

Mr. Moon is being overly gracious.

BROWN

Taking into consideration his

graciousness and your modesty, may

we trouble you for a moment of

your time to converse, sir?