"The Book of Eli" review: a classic apocalyptic story, Hughes Brothers style

Now that this has finally been released I can actually talk about the movie. Of course I had to view "Eli" in it's entirety last October in order to cut that broadcast trailer. But one of the great things was to actually see it on the big screen (where I appreciated the film even more) and with all the final elements in place.

Denzel Washington is almost a humbled blaxploitation hero from the 70's in this tale that takes place thirty years after the end of our world. There's a spiritual message here, but it's never crammed down your throat. Eli is a man who has been charged to bring a very special book to place in what's left of the western United States. Along the way he stops at a shanty town run by Gary Oldman who is looking for that very book, the Holy Bible, so he can use religion as power over the people he hopes to completely dominate. What Oldman and his gang do not realize is that there's something very different about Eli....something not of this Earth.

Washington and Oldman each give very driven performances. Denzel's Eli will do what he has to to protect the book he's carrying. Even though confrontation is the last thing he wants, he'll certainly dole out exacting combat defense in hard hitting, well choreographed and photographed fight scenes using a machete and shotgun. Washington's character is post apocalyptic cool to Oldman's unique evil town warlord, a type he plays so well.

Mila Kunis' character holds her own against this unmerciful landscape, and becomes Eli's aid on his journey. Interesting behind the scenes tidbit: I got a laugh out of hearing the Hughes Brothers talk about why her character is in the movie, during a talk at the Apple Store in SoHo recently to promote the film. Always annoyed at studio intervention during the creative process, they said Warner Bros. would only greenlight the movie if they could have 'a girl or woman in it who you'd see on magazine covers'. The response: after almost nine years since their last film, and finally believing in a project they were passionate about making, The Brothers decided to 'bend over and take it in the butt' with that one. However I never really felt as though Mila Kunis is just stuck in the middle of the story. In a sense she's the audience viewpoint at times and I welcomed her inclusion.

Later in the film there's really only one moment where some of the logic that's been put forth does not quite connect. Even on the second viewing I was kind of scratching my head. But it's really minor in comparison to everything else. The cinematography is truly beautiful throughout; wide vistas akin to the best westerns from the 1950's and 60's, but with a keenly lit view of the small and intimate as well. Plus, Atticus Ross' electronic score is hauntingly unique, solemnly edgy, and enjoyably memorable. Probably one of the best elements in the movie and I intend to buy it sometime soon.

I never felt hit over the head with the biblical ramifications and definitely had a sense of wonder about elements of Eli's charge. Look for the "A Boy and His Dog" poster behind Denzel in one scene. The Hughes Brothers said they were influenced by that and some of the other 1970's post-apocalyptic movies during their Apple Store talk as well. And yes, there is a surprise or two (NO SPOILERS!) that will have you rethinking parts of the film as the credits roll. There's also a funny scene involving two old timers (one of which is played my Michael Gambon) who only want to protect their home. What they play on their Victrola while offering tea is priceless!