Brad Pitt’s new film ‘cuts to the base of humanity’

Brad Pitt’s new film ”cuts to the base of our humanity”.

The 49-year-old star produced ’12 Years a Slave’ – based on the story of a black man, Solomon Northup, who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841 – after he was left mortified by the true events the movie is based on.

He told Ann Curry on NBC News’ ‘TODAY’ show: ”It’s one of those few films that … cuts to the base of our humanity.

”And it was not until I saw Solomon Northup’s story that I fully, fully grasped the utter horror of losing your freedom or denying another one their freedom, taking their freedom, splitting their family apart. It’s why I got into film in the first place.”

Brad is on screen for a short period but claims he plays a minor supporting role, while the real stars of the film had to endure particularly emotional scenes during filming.

He explained: ”I’m there to support the story. The main performances are Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong’o and [Michael] Fassbender. These are such demanding parts. These guys had to keep themselves in just this perpetual state of angst and foreboding and longing. And they did it.”