The Book of Eli

Synopsis: In a post-apocalyptic world a man fights for his survival and the protection of the key to the future, a treasured book.

Release Date: January 15, 2010     MPAA Rating: PG-13

Genre(s): Action Adventure, Drama

Film Review

In a post-apocalyptic world the battle is not one of survival, but one of power through religion. The film begins in the all too familiar barren landscape of the atypical world brought to ash. A savage land full of cannibals, rapists, and murderers. One man is the focus, Eli (Denzel Washington), as he travels the long road west in search of what he has been told is the place he must share the prized possession brought upon him years before: the King James Bible. It is the Bible that takes the center stage and all that it promises. Be it power in the hands of Camegie (Gary Oldman), a Czar of sorts, over the surviving inhabitants. As he so pointedly remarks when questioned as to the importance of the book by his men, “It’s not a $&*#*^ book, its a weapon!”. In Eli’s eyes it is a link to redemption, value and the promise of a future for humanity. The film does successfully paint the picture of a messiah figure in Eli yet it does not succeed in accomplishing the main twist of the film. When the ending is brought upon us we are delighted at the unexpected events but upon further thought and analysis realize it is without question faulty in its execution. There is much to analyze throughout the movie and those who have faith, or those who question the very idea of religion, will take pleasure in experiencing how the bible is seen as a powerful force over people. Whether in the hands of good or evil.

For thirty years the world has been desolate. All that we know as familiar is gone. How then is it possible the characters in this film are wearing designer sunglasses? Have pants that are reasonably stylish and free of holes? Eli wears a pair of Khaki pants that save for the fraying at the leg edges look like they just came from a rack at The Gap. His jacket may as well have been bought there also. How is it also possible that Mila Kunis as Solara looks like something out of a fashion spread for Vanity Fair (even if during the 1990s grunge era)? With such a desolate world upon the people they sure are well dressed; only making the entire idea of a world destroyed less than believable. One final remark must be said on the savages wardrobe. If you want to create something new for an audience do not rehash the same goggles we have seen since Mad Max. All it makes us think is that you are lazy and cannot come up with an original idea for an imagined futures wardrobe.

There is a definite flair for the dramatic as it pertains to the action in this film. The fighting scenes are fast-paced and swiftly happen. Pulling you into the excitement and danger of the landscape and then abruptly pausing to give you a breath before pummeling you with more explosions and gunfire. You find an unlikely action hero in Eli, even if he is always a pacifist at first and only when provoked or threatened becomes a destructive force.

Cast and Crew

• Director(s): The Hughes BrothersDavid ValdesDenzel Washington
• Producer(s): Gary WhittaDenzel Washington (Eli)
• Screenwriter(s): Mila Kunis (Solara)Gary Oldman (Camegie)Malcolm McDowell (Lombardi)
• Story: 
• Cast:  Cindy MolloDon BurgessGae Buckley
• Editor(s):
• Cinematographer: Atticus Ross
• Production Designer(s):
• Costume Designer: 
• Casting Director(s): 
• Music Score: 
• Music Performed By: 
• Country Of Origin: USA