In ’12 Years a Slave,’ Steve McQueen juxtaposes beauty, brutality

Perry Reeves and Sharif Atkins on location for the TV series “White Collar” in New York City. Lena Dunham, left, Zosia Mamet, Jemima Kirke and Allison Williams of HBO’s “Girls” films on the streets of Manhattan on May 25 in New York City. Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy on location in Manhattan for the filming Ned Benson’s “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby.” *** Director Woody Allen films on location for the Untitled Woody Allen Summer Project on Sept. 19, 2012, in New York City. Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler on location in New York City for “They Came Together.” Michael Emerson with Boker the dog on location in Manhattan for “Person of Interest.” Krysten Ritter on location in Manhattan for the filming of “Don’t Trust the B-- in Apartment 23.” Dreama Walker on location in Manhattan for the filming of “Don’t Trust the B-- in Apartment 23.” Donnie Wahlberg and Megan Ketch on location in Manhattan for the filming of “Blue Bloods.” Michael Fassbender and Rooney Mara kiss on stage while filming the untitled Terrence Malick movie during the Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, Texas. “It may not be pretty,” said Ejiofor, “but it is beautiful.” PHOTOS: Fall movie sneaks 2013 Nevertheless, McQueen didn’t intend to make “12 Years a Slave” easy viewing.