Posted on 03/26/2010 5:24:08 AM PDT by Cronos
Hollywood continues its fascination with anything apocalyptic as evidenced in “The Book of Eli.”
Brought to the screen by the same tandem who delivered the Jack the Ripper murders movie “From Hell”—brothers Allen and Albert Hughes—the Denzel Washington starrer is “I Am Legend” (2007) meets “The Road” (2009), with a religious, spiritual twist.
First few minutes into the film and viewers will quickly see similarities with Will Smith’s blockbuster hit, including the wide angle view of an abandoned city—with barren cars, desiccated roads… all rendered in light sepia.
And like Robert Neville, Eli (Denzel’s name in the movie, which is not mentioned until the latter part of the film) is a hero, seemingly predestined to embark on a tedious journey to fulfill a "purpose," which eventually, involves saving mankind—or what's left of it—from further destruction.
Similarities with “The Road” are also palpable: the hero travels with his “descendant,” there are also cannibals here, and both main characters have something to “preserve.”
Did the mirror treatments work? Well, if anything, it raised expectations Everest-high for the movie.
Some 30 years after the final war, Eli travels west-bound to fulfill his mission of preserving the "Word of God." He aims to do so with the Bible he is carrying with him.
Trouble is, the “evil one,” Carnegie (played by Gary Oldman) wants the book for himself. He believes it will give him the power to run their anarchic town.
To complicate matters, Eli had himself entangled with the curious Solara (Mila Kunis, “That ‘70’s Show”), Carnegie’s daughter.
Denzel’s performance was not at par with past performances—understandably because his character does not require much from him but to look tough.
Gary stands out more as his character is much more intricate: menacing, power-greedy yet charming enough to allow for sympathy and understanding.
In spite of the mayhem, murders, and malice, and in spite of a too somber an atmosphere, “Eli” still manages to have a little bit of fun—via product placements.
There are products everywhere in the film—from the KFC napkin to a Motorola bullhorn to an issue of O Magazine juxtaposed with other literary titles—leftovers from the previous world now seen as precious, vintage finds. The fun is highlighted with old couple George and Martha, who is testament to the adage that with age comes wisdom—and extra weaponry. Confused? You just have to see it for yourself.
Conservative Christians may not be comfortable with the violence shown in the film but their religious leanings may come in handy, rationalizing some of the film’s inexplicable details.
The story is simple, devoid of anything too cerebral; the ending, predictable.
“Eli” is not exactly inspiring either. It’s simply a mirror of our reality and perhaps, an oracle of our future.
As Eli himself puts it: "People had more than they needed. We had no idea what was precious and what wasn't. We threw away things people would kill each other for now."
This film may not encourage us to change, but at the very least it tries to convey what most of us consumption-driven inhabitants have forgotten: Generosity, gratitude, faith.
Distributed by Columbia Pictures, “The Book of Eli” is now showing in cinemas.
I saw the movie and quite enjoyed it.
I saw the movie and quite enjoyed it.
As did I!
The review says the film’s ending is “predictable.”
Did I see the same movie?
You took the words right out of my mouth. I saw the movie as well and was pleasantly surprised at how religious it was. I thought it was a wonderful movie. As for the ending, it is so surprising, I wouldn't even say what it is so as not to spoil anyone.
From his review I doubt he has enough biblical background to truly understand any part of the movie and I imagine the twist at the end of the movie went right over his head.
A correction: the reviewer is a she. So it went over her head.
Words to live by.
Yes, I’m thinking the real details of the ending probably went right pat him; he didn’t even “get” it?
pat = past
geesh...:-)
AWESOME MOVIE!!!
If the writer of this piece thought that the ending was predictable, ...what can I say? She is not a Christan, is she? Probably never tried to memorize a single verse, never mind an entire book. Did she not get Fahrenheit 451 either?
" What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as Freedom should not be highly rated." ~Thomas Paine
it’s not predictable at all. I guessed something else!
More importantly, this contrasts Denzel Washington with Tom Hanks (Da Vinnie’s Code)
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