Review of The Book of Eli (2010)

DENZEL WASHINGTON as Eli and MILA KUNIS as Solara in Alcon EntertainmentÕs action adventure film ÒThe Book of Eli,Ó a Warner Bros. Pictures release. 

In The Book of Eli, directors Albert and Allen Hughes deliver a visually stunning and deeply philosophical post-apocalyptic tale that combines gripping action with profound questions about faith, morality, and survival. Featuring a career-defining performance by Denzel Washington, the film stands out as a thought-provoking entry in the dystopian genre, offering a blend of brutal action and spiritual introspection.

A Journey Through a Desolate World

Set in a barren, sun-scorched America ravaged by an unspecified catastrophe, The Book of Eli follows the titular character Eli (Denzel Washington), a lone wanderer traveling westward. Eli is a man on a mission, driven by a divine voice compelling him to deliver a mysterious book to a place of safety. Along the way, he encounters a society fractured by chaos, lawlessness, and despair, where basic survival comes at a high cost.

The film’s world-building is impeccable, with its desolate landscapes and scorched-earth aesthetic painting a vivid picture of a world stripped of hope. The Hughes brothers use muted colors and stark imagery to create a haunting atmosphere that immerses viewers in the bleakness of Eli’s journey.

Denzel Washington: A Force of Nature

Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Eli is nothing short of masterful. He brings a quiet intensity to the role, balancing the character’s stoicism with moments of vulnerability and resolve. Eli is a man of few words, but Washington’s nuanced performance conveys volumes, capturing the weight of his mission and the inner strength that propels him forward.

Washington also impresses in the film’s action sequences, delivering stunning fight choreography that showcases Eli’s formidable combat skills. Whether he’s fending off bandits with a machete or navigating treacherous terrain, Washington’s physicality is both believable and captivating.

A Formidable Villain: Carnegie

Opposite Washington is Gary Oldman as Carnegie, a ruthless warlord who rules a small town with an iron fist. Oldman’s Carnegie is a complex antagonist, driven by a desire for power and control. His obsession with obtaining Eli’s book, believing it holds the key to consolidating his rule, adds a layer of tension and urgency to the narrative.

Oldman’s performance is delightfully menacing, blending charm and cruelty in a way that makes Carnegie both captivating and terrifying. The ideological clash between Eli and Carnegie forms the backbone of the story, exploring the ways faith and power can be wielded for vastly different purposes.

Themes of Faith and Morality

At its core, The Book of Eli is a meditation on faith, resilience, and the human spirit. The mysterious book Eli carries is revealed to be the last known copy of the Bible, a powerful symbol of hope and knowledge in a world starved of both. The film raises thought-provoking questions about the role of religion in society, examining how it can inspire both salvation and manipulation.

Eli’s unwavering faith in his mission contrasts sharply with Carnegie’s cynical exploitation of belief, creating a narrative that explores the duality of human nature. The film’s spiritual undertones are complemented by its moral dilemmas, as characters grapple with choices that test their values and humanity.

Visual Storytelling and Action

The Hughes brothers’ direction is a visual triumph, combining sweeping landscapes with visceral action. The film’s cinematography, helmed by Don Burgess, captures the harsh beauty of its setting, using light and shadow to emphasize the starkness of Eli’s journey. The action sequences are choreographed with precision, blending gritty realism with stylized intensity.

The use of sound and music further enhances the film’s impact. Atticus Ross’s haunting score underscores the desolation and emotional weight of the story, while moments of silence heighten the tension and reflect Eli’s solitary existence.

Supporting Cast and Characters

The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, with Mila Kunis as Solara, a young woman drawn into Eli’s mission. Kunis’s performance brings warmth and humanity to the story, as Solara’s character evolves from a naive survivor to a determined companion. The chemistry between Kunis and Washington adds an emotional layer to the film, highlighting themes of mentorship and trust.

Ray Stevenson and Jennifer Beals also deliver strong performances, rounding out a cast that brings authenticity and complexity to the film’s dystopian world.

A Polarizing Conclusion

The film’s ending is both unexpected and polarizing, with a twist that recontextualizes Eli’s journey and the true nature of his mission. Without spoiling too much, the reveal adds a layer of depth to the story, encouraging viewers to reflect on its themes and symbolism. While some may find the conclusion divisive, it’s undeniably thought-provoking, cementing The Book of Eli as a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Conclusion: A Post-Apocalyptic Masterpiece

The Book of Eli is a powerful and visually arresting film that combines intense action with profound philosophical questions. Denzel Washington’s commanding performance, coupled with the Hughes brothers’ visionary direction, creates a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is thrilling. Its exploration of faith, morality, and human resilience sets it apart from typical action fare, offering a cinematic experience that’s both thought-provoking and unforgettable.

For fans of dystopian tales or action-packed dramas with substance, The Book of Eli is a must-watch that stands the test of time as a modern classic.