How Much Good Can Movies Like 12 Years A Slave Really Do?

Frank Rich: “Could this film possibly preach to the unconverted? Could it reach Americans who at this late date, in the 21st century, still haven’t gotten [Harriet Beecher] Stowe’s message? Will it even be seen by any of the millions who swear by Glenn Beck? This question might be asked of all the recent movies” – The Butler, Lincoln, Django Unchained, etc. – “that touch upon America’s unfinished racial business.”