Viridiana Aranda
Brian Kirby, Professor

The Book of Eli

When December 21st 2012 (speculated date at which the world would end) was getting closer, the amount of post-apocalyptic films were coming out, some avid movie viewers might have been jaded with those types of films. This movie directed by the Hughes Brothers, shows a clear and accurate depiction of the power of the Bible in broken times. The Book of Eli is not your average post-apocalyptic film. From the melodic soundtrack, to the astonishing performance delivered by Denzel Washington, “The Book of Eli” is certainly a must watch!

The Plot of the movie is carefully crafted, and it is easy to tell that the directors and producers all took their time before putting together this intricate plot. “The Book of Eli” takes place several years after a nuclear holocaust. The lone man named Eli (played by Denzel Washington) wanders the desert nuclear wasteland, living on what he can find and disposing of any marauders who give him any problems. After traveling west for a few years Eli arrives in a small town. Eli comes to the attention of the town’s leader named Carnegie after killing several attackers in the local bar. Carnegie sends the attractive Solara (Played by Mila Kunis) to seduce Eli and to try to convince him to stay, seeing that Eli has an enormous amount of combat skills. Carnegie later learns that Eli has one of the last known copies of the Bible; which determines Carnegie to obtain this book at all costs. Eli survives Carnegies attempt to kill him and then heads back out into the wasteland while being followed by a curious Solara. From Eli she learns that it is the world’s last remaining Bible. It has the power to bring civilization back together and give humanity faith and hope; however Carnegie wants to use the book bolster his control and brainwash people who were born after the nuclear holocaust to believe he is some sort of God. As Eli and Solara continue their journey west, Carnegie comes after them with an armed force in attempt to obtain the book.

After watching the movie countless times, I have found that the theme of the movie is to show how important a book like the Bible is when society is in broken times. Eli claims that he had a calling from God to get the book west where it would be in safe hands. As Eli travels he makes his enemies such as Carnegie. Carnegie is a man who sees the book as a weapon and wants to get the Bible from Eli in attempt to revive humanity, however at the same time brainwashing people to make himself seem like a God to mankind. In post-apocalyptic times like this scriptures from the Bible would give humanity hope, faith, and structure making things a little easier when trying to restore society. Eli fights tooth and nail making sure the book does not end up in the wrong hands and defends it at all costs. The theme is plain and simple, the power of the Bible is huge in times like this, but mankind will be doomed if the book were to fall into the wrong hands.

What’s a blockbuster film without an epic score, and realistic costume and makeup? The Book of Eli certainly has no lack of great sounding music, and intricate costuming and makeup designs. The music in this movie composed by Atticus Ross is amazing, and would certainly rate Ross up there with Hans Zimmer the composer of the scores for Inception and the Batman movies. Throughout the movie there are quite a few bird’s eye view shots of Eli making his way west. During these shots is when the epic scores come into play sending chills down your spine. The scores range from slower tempo songs with a French horn giving a sense of exploration as Eli makes his way west, to the more intense fast pace songs with bass and synthesizers that come into play while Eli is engaged in combat. Atticus Ross could not have done a better job with composing the soundtrack to this movie and it certainly achieves at engaging the audience. The costume and makeup is very unique as well. Every seen character in the movie is wearing very raggedy and dingy clothing which looks like it hasn’t been washed in years. The reason that the costuming is so unique the movie is set 30 years in the future and you would never know that based upon what the cast is wearing. Focusing on the main character Eli, he is always seen wearing a sweater, scarf, long pants, boots, sunglasses, gloves, trench coat, and backpack. Since Eli is on an expedition west and is always walking, there is a specific shot of Eli wearing plastic wrap around his feet under his socks, which gives more protection from the toxic soil. The makeup and costume department certainly achieved at giving the cast a post-apocalyptic look.

The Book of Eli is truly an inspirational movie with a ton of action packed scenesthat conveys a strong message; showing the true power of having faith and the power of the Bible in broken times. As a movie fanatic and a person who focuses on ALL aspects of mise in scene, I highly recommend this movie to ANYONE. Denzel Washington delivers a breath taking performance and you are truly missing out if you have yet towatch this movie.