Movie Review: The Book of Eli
It is remarkable to me when a film exceeds my expectations and I leave the theater both satisfied and inspired. The Book of Eli did just that. I assumed I would be watching another predictable action movie (and based on the trailer, my assumption looked accurate) however about 20 minutes into the film I realized this movie had much more going for it. Directed by Albert and Allen Hughes (known to most as The Hughes Brothers) The Book of Eli is about a man on a journey through a post apocalyptic world where his goal is to head west carrying a mysterious book that is of high importance to him. It is unknown what the book contains, or why it is important, however we do learn that this strange loner (Denzel Washington) is willing to protect the book at all costs from falling into the wrong hands.
The Book of Eli is very much a story about survival and what a man is forced to do in order to protect all he has. After some type of global disaster wipes out most of humanity, those who are left struggle to survive, without adequate amounts of water, food, or shelter. The more we learn about Washington’s Eli, the more we understand the journey he is on. He is a fighter who is very well trained with knives, swords, and guns; and frequently has to defend himself from those who cause him trouble on his journey. There really is no law in this new world. There is absolutely no order, and to say it is a world of utter chaos would be very accurate. There is a line in the movie which resonates long after you leave the theater. “We used to throw away things in the trash that we have to kill for today”. This line rings very true to the actual meaning behind the film.
As Eli travels west he comes across a small town that has an old west feeling to it. He is searching for water and trying to avoid any trouble. The town is run by a man named Carnegie (Gary Oldman) who has a band of thugs he dispatches to find items that are almost non existent in the world they now live in. You don’t realize the things you take for granted until you do not have something like shampoo. Carnegie is obsessed with tracking down books that he wants to have. He is looking for something specific and it takes time for him to realize the book he is looking for has walked right through his town. Also in the desolate town is a young girl named Solara (Mila Kunis) who is pretty much trapped serving Carnegie as he cares for her blind mother in a very controlling, violent manner. When Eli leaves town (against the will of Carnegie) Solara tags along and it is up to Eli to protect her, himself, and his book.
What made The Book of Eli so fascinating was that it could have easily been a typical popcorn flick. It has a big name star. A very stylized look. Brutal, violent fight scenes. But most importantly The Book of Eli delivers a message. You can take what you want from the film. It has a religious undertone that is both compelling to the plot and the driving force behind the main character. There are no direct indications that apply Eli is anything more than a man on a journey, but I guarantee after you watch this film you too will BELIEVE.
Fanboyz Grade: B+
2 Comments
I really enjoyed the post-apocalyptic aesthetic of the movie, and the ending was an interesting twist (I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it).
But the overall plot wasn't anything we haven't seen in "A Fistful of Dollars," "Last Man Standing," or any other number of typical (read: predictable) "stranger wanders into town and finds himself in trouble with the local gang leader and his toughs" scenario played out in dozens of Westerns over the years.
The "B+" is probably fair.
I thought the book of Eli was great, it is a rare thing when you go into a movie expecting sub-par mindless action, and you come out of it blown away. The book of Eli succeeded on all counts, the visuals were cool, and the post-apocalyptic America was powerful to behold, the action was entertaining, and the story was leaps and bounds over what I thought it couldve been from the trailer. Wasn’t the best movie you’ll see all year but it was a hell of a fun way to kick off 2010!!