The post-apocalyptic genre has long been dominated by bland franchises or boring features, with many other films in the genre going relatively unnoticed. Despite this, the potential for great storytelling and thought-provoking themes in post-apocalyptic films is immense.
The genre of post-apocalyptic films is relatively rare, and it’s even more uncommon to find one that is well-made. Many films in the past have depicted a man-made apocalypse, but the directors of The Book of Eli wanted to do something unique and different with their story. The Book of Eli was made to capitalize on the potential of post-apocalyptic stories, providing audiences with a fresh take on the genre.
How to Download The Book of Eli
You can download the film from a digital store. You can also stream it. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice. If you want to see more of Denzel Washington (who plays Eli), check out also his other films, for example, The Equalizer, The Equalizer 2, or The Magnificent Seven.
The Movie Review
The Book of Eli tells the story of a solitary wanderer, Eli, traversing a desolate America, with a precious book in his possession – the last hope for mankind’s salvation. Alongside him, a young girl, Solara, was raised in a community under the tyrannical rule of Carnegie.
As Carnegie becomes aware of the existence of the book, he sends his henchmen to capture Eli and seize the book for himself. Eli’s journey becomes both a physical and an emotional battle, as he fights to protect the book, and himself, while also confronting the truth of his past and the real purpose of the book.
Meanwhile, Solara’s perspective shifts as she starts to question the life she has always known and the morality of her leader.
The Book of Eli’s story has several good elements. It explores themes of survival, morality, and faith in a unique way, and gives those themes time to marinate with the audience. The story is engaging and well-written, but it does rely a bit too heavily on coincidences as a plot device to keep the story going.
This might make it feel contrived to some audience members, but it still manages to maintain its own integrity by delivering a very satisfying ending. The story is a good one, but it might have been stronger if it was not overly reliant on coincidence as a plot device.
The direction in The Book of Eli is pretty decent for the most part as the Hughes brothers have done an excellent job in creating a world that feels broken and bruised. The film truly captures the desolate atmosphere of a post-apocalyptic landscape.
The film’s pacing is also noteworthy, it uses a mix of fast cuts and slow moments, which helps to build up tension, before throwing you right into the action. It kept me engaged quite well, but I did have a few issues with the editing. It can feel a bit uneven, with some moments feeling overly slow, especially during the action scenes for dramatic effect.
Denzel Washington delivers a masterful performance as the titular hero, Eli. He imbues the character with a sense of both physical and emotional fortitude, using his body language and dialogue delivery to convey a man who has been hardened by the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world, yet still maintains a glimmer of hope and purpose.
Washington’s portrayal is a subtle and nuanced one, making Eli a truly compelling protagonist. On the other hand, Mila Kunis as Solara, while a talented actress, feels somewhat disconnected from the film’s world and the rest of the cast.
In contrast, Gary Oldman as the villainous Carnegie delivers a truly mesmerizing performance, his portrayal of a man consumed by greed and power is both chilling and captivating, stealing the show and making him an important and amazing character. Oldman’s performance is a highlight of the film, elevating the story to a whole new level.
The Visuals
The use of lighting and camera angles adds to the overall atmosphere, making it feel as though the audience is truly in a world that has been devastated by a catastrophic event. It does over-color the screen in greenish-yellow hues, but they only imbue the film with a unique and otherworldly aesthetic.
The camera angles are not great though, at times, it feels like a western movie, shot through the lens of nostalgia for a world long gone, but it doesn’t fit with the film’s aesthetic overall.
The Music
The film’s music is a symphony of sound, a sharp and relentless beat that drums out the harshness of the world. Its fast-paced and loud, it adds a sense of urgency to the film, but it is too overbearing at times despite the aesthetic power.
Verdict
The Book of Eli is a unique and well-directed post-apocalyptic film with a good story but relies on coincidences as plot devices. The performances are strong, particularly Denzel Washington as the titular hero, Eli, and Gary Oldman as the villainous Carnegie. Mila Kunis as Solara feels out of place.
The film’s cinematography is striking but feels overly stylized, and the camera angles are well-done, but at times it feels like a poorly shot western. The music adds to the harsh atmosphere but may be overwhelming for some. Overall, The Book of Eli is a decent film but could have been executed better.
