BOOK OF ELI

Written by Joseph B. Mauceri

Thursday, 14 January 2010

RELEASING: Warner Bros. Pictures SYNOPSIS: In the not-too-distant future, some 30 years after the final war, a solitary man walks across the wasteland that was once America. A warrior not by choice but necessity, Eli (WASHINGTON) seeks only peace but, if challenged, will cut his attackers down before they realize their fatal mistake. It's not his life he guards so fiercely but his hope for the future; a hope he has carried and protected for 30 years and is determined to realize. Driven by this commitment and guided by his belief in something greater than himself, Eli does what he must to survive--and continue. Only one other man in this ruined world understands the power Eli holds, and is determined to make it his own: Carnegie (OLDMAN), the self-appointed despot of a makeshift town of thieves and gunmen. Meanwhile, Carnegie's adopted daughter Solara (KUNIS) is fascinated by Eli for another reason: the glimpse he offers of what may exist beyond her stepfather's domain. But neither will find it easy to deter him. Nothing--and no one--can stand in his way. Eli must keep moving to fulfill his destiny and bring help to a ravaged humanity. (Provided by studio) CREW: Director - Allen & Albert Hughes; Producers – Joel Silver, Denzel Washington, Broderick Johnson, and Andrew A. Kosove; Screenplay - Gary Whitta; Score – Atticus Ross; Cinematography – Don Burgess; Editor – Cindy Mollo; Production Designer – Gae Buckley; Costume Designer – Sharen Davis; Visual Effects Supervisor - Jon Farhat; Effects Companies - Hammerhead Productions, Hatch Production, Hydraulx, Lidar Guys, Lola Visual Effects, Luma Pictures, Soho VFX. CAST: DENZEL WASHINGTON… Eli; GARY OLDMAN… Carnegie; MILA KUNIS… Solara; RAY STEVENSON… Redridge; JENNIFER BEALS… Claudia; FRANCES DE LA TOUR… Martha; MICHAEL GAMBON… George; TOM WAITS… Engineer. OFFICIAL WEB SITE: www.bookofelimovie.com ** "REEL" Value: Story:                        $12.50 Direction:                  $12.50 Acting:                     $12.50 Editing:                    $12.50 Production Design: $12.50 Special Effects:      $10.50 Score/Music:          $12.50 Costumes: $12.50  VALUE: $12.25 - Don’t let the whole end of the world theme and setting intimidate you. The Hughes Brothers and screenwriter Gary Whitta deliver an epic tale of one man’s quest woven into this setting and combined with the best narrative elements of samurai films and spaghetti westerns. There is also an aspect to the tale that borrows from a story by the sci-fi master Ray Bradbury. I could be a tad more specific in both cases but I’d probably be giving away too much. The filmmakers blend a mix of atmospheric and emotional character shots with fast paced action sequences that keep this almost two-hour film moving along at good pace. Supporting the story and pacing is an exceptional musical score by Atticus Ross, who collaborated on several projects with Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) that enhances the sound design of the film. Denzel Washington does an excellent job of delivering his interpretation of the drifter character style immortalized by Clint Eastwood in the Sergio Leone’s films, set against these amazing visual effects enhanced landscapes. Gary Oldman, who never serves up a bad performance, comes up with villain that is reminiscent of Stansfield from “The Professional (Leon),” with a hint of Jack Nicholson. I’m sure that the mainstream film critics might be put off or find the religious elements too preachy. I think it all fits nicely in this milieu. The only thing that I did find distracting was that in this post apocalyptic world where most of the inhabitants are unable to maintain any sense of personal hygiene, let alone deal with the harsh effects of the sun or radiation, where the hell did Jennifer Beals and Mila Kunis find makeup and what was the secret behind their perfect complexions? That aside, BOOK OF ELI is an intelligently blended genre hybrid with excellent visual effects and solid performances that delivers quality bangs for your entertainment buck. ** Based on the regular $12.50 ticket prices at a Manhattan theater Jan. 15th, 2010.

 

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