Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: 2010, albert hughes, allen hughes, the book of eli, the hughes brothers
Director: Albert & Allen Hughes
Denzel Washington is the latest lone warrior, traveling devastated landscapes in search of that ever-evasive coast.
“The Book of Eli” has the unfortunate burden of being the umpteenth post-apocalyptic film released in the past year, but this new effort by The Hughes Brothers (“From Hell”, “Dead Presidents”) is redeemed by some beautiful visuals and a very-assured, well-executed style. They know both the benefits of silence (the first fifteen minutes or so is without dialogue) and when to amp up the volume with the expected loud, mind-numbing sequences of appalling violence.
Our traveler is known as Eli (Denzel Washington), and in his forties he’s become a sort of post-apocalyptic elder. Most of the population has been wiped out, the few remaining left as scavengers, bandits, or townsfolk ruled by a power-hungry, Mussolini-worshipping sheriff, Carnegie (Gary Oldman).
Eli, when arriving at this town, gains the attention of Carnegie after leaving piles of bodies at his feet following a bar brawl. Although initially looking for a guard, Carnegie’s attention is further peaked when his daughter (Mila Kunis), sent to seduce, learns that Eli is carrying the world’s last remaining Bible.
“The Book of Eli” is good fun while it lasts, but it’s the sort of movie that starts to fall apart once you’re over the initially striking premise. Eli is no St. Francis, preaching the word of his Lord by way of swordplay and beheadings. I’m not quite sure why Carnegie needs the Bible in the first place, as he already controls his population’s water-source and possesses a never-ending string of loyal henchman. And, in the last act, there are so many contrivances and implausibilities that the film’s effective set pieces are drowned out by the sour taste that you’re left with.
The film doesn’t have anywhere near the audacity of “The Road”, but for the most part it’s a fun ride. Even when it takes it’s audience’s intelligence for granted, it certainly never bores – which, really, is all you can ask for with this kind of early-year release.
Leave a Comment so far
Leave a comment
