Review: The Book of Eli
Posted by Lucas Nochez on January 19, 2010 · Leave a Comment
For all you avid and eager action fans let me be the first to warn you this is not an action movie. The Book of Eli is a compilation of fables and parables mixed into a post-apocalyptic Western world hell-bent on preaching to audience members.
That said the film is faithful in highlighting its star, Denzel Washington. There is no denying the suave and charming Washington on screen. His movie continue to draw audiences release after release. In this newest film Washington can only be described as simply “bad-ass”. Sure we’ve seen him in other “bad-ass” style roles, but in The Book of Eli we never see Denzel hide behind the barrel of a gun and that, my friends, is the definition of a brutal and gritty one man army.
Denzel Washington is Eli, a lone wanderer who, on the brink of global catastrophe (or nuclear war), feels he must travel west. Thirty years later our protagonist finally stumbles upon a small ‘town’ whose lone dictator Carnegie (Gary Oldman) finds a great use for him. As Eli submits to Carnegie’s generous offers, Carnegie realizes that Eli holds a certain ‘book’ that is vital in order for Carnegie to retain and expand his control to his own people and other unestablished cities around him. Of course, Eli is reluctant to give up his book and decides to continue travelling west, which flies in the face of Carnegie’s plans for our wanderer and his book. Along the way, Eli finds companionship in the form of Carnegie’s prized possession, and occasional whore, Solara (Mila Kunis) seems interested in joining him in his travels.
Amongst the civilized Carnegie and Eli, the world the Hughes Brothers introduce us to one of an early primitive and barbaric nature. Most people born after the disaster share characteristics of early mammals and cease to have any knowledge of the world before ‘the sun’ blinded the elders.
It is surprising to hear that The Book of Eli was not based on a graphic novel, given the history of the Hughes Brothers and their fascination with directing graphic novels (most notably their 2001 film From Hell) the film almost feels like it should be one. The look, feel and sounds of the film are isolated and apocalyptic. The Hughes Brothers’ highly stylized film bristles with morbid loneliness. Although the cinematography is by no means revolutionary, it is still something to applaud. The tone and sensory feel of the film provides a world that is not far-fetched or unbelievable. In a world surrounded by ashes, dust and infertile land, with murderous biker gangs, deceiving wanders, hijackers and hungry cannibals, the future does not look bright. The Hughes Brothers create a world that no one would ever want to be a part of — it is miserable and lifeless.
Washington at first seemed to be following in the footsteps of other recent films, which show that aging actors can still deliver a can of whoop-ass, however, although the film highlights his dismembering, gun-firing and sword-swashing skills, the complexity of the film takes shape. It was curious to me why Washington would choose this particular script, when it is outside his usual comfort zone. For the most part, Washington does not seem to be the type of actor to just make a movie to cash out, although many may argue most of his Tony Scott films are just that. Nevertheless this is not just any film; it’s a modern testament of human hope in mass media form.
The Book of Eli is nothing short of an immensely entertaining film. Between all the plot twists and turns, the film makes use of its star all the while being a pleasure filled and thoughtful film. This is a film that you will want to see again just so you can catch all the small and insignificant details. The Hughes Brothers deserve much credit, after being away from the big screen for almost ten years, they return to pack an inspiring and thought-provoking punch of a film set in an arid landscape. The film tries and succeeds to show that in a world obsessed with identity, power and a Darwinist mentality, its opaque theme is that we are all the same — we are human beings and people.
Although the finale is by far my favourite this year (even though the just started), like so many other movies, it could have been edited much better. I am always confused and mystified why studios insist on leaving themselves open for sequels and prequels, especially when satisfying endings are widely pleasing. The film awkwardly oozes with certain moments of cheesyness and although the CGI fighting sequences may turn people off at times, The Book of Eli is an attempt to comment on religion/faith and a society like today’s whose obsession with over-indulgence and constant information can be deadly. Try to avoid spoilers on this film since its unpredictable finale is truly what ‘being in the movies’ is all about. A second viewing is likely to also deepend your experience of the film. I really hope The Book of Eli is a taste of what’s to come in 2010, and in that case, bring it on!
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