RUTHERFORD ON FILM: 'The Book of Eli'
Serious, Symbolic Bombed Out Civilizations Constitute Newly Copied Cinematic Genre
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Entertainment Editor
Huntington, WV (HNN) - Having viewed two post-Apocalyptic films in three days --- “The Road” and “The Book of Eli” --- I found them each superbly acted in telling their stories , one bleak, the other hopeful.
Actually, another Book of Revelation, Tribulation and Armageddon themed thriller, “The Legion,” debuts on screens nationwide on Friday, January 22. Shifting the “time” frame, a contingent of angels have been sent to invoke God’s wrath upon humankind with the opening volley to be sparked at a rural diner. However, it seems a woman lives there ( a twist on the Sodom and Gomorrah tale ) who’s unborn child represents the possible repentance of humankind.
“Book of Eli” had the benefit of a Warner Bros. budget, which distinguishes the destruction. The ruins of the partially intact Golden Gate Bridge impressed. The gray, parched, lead-look which McG engineered for the “Terminator” reboot seems trite by now.
But, the Eli name represents that of a faithful prophet (Denzel Washington) who has crossed the desolate nation on foot. Having survived a minimum of three “High Noon” / “Rio Bravo” shoot-outs --- a dessert barrage, a fortified farmhouse, and the obligatory saloon slaughter --- he’s a contradictory figure to depict a Christ-like prophet. Perhaps, partially, as his mixed martial arts and weapons skills run afoul of the “peace” message of the gospel. His strong moralistic beliefs bear noble fruit in a scene where he rejects a ‘gift’ prostitute, then offers her food, drink, and a prayer before dinner.
Eli will soon out maneuver an intellectual would-be new world dictator (Gary Oldham), but the film’s riveting balance of unpreventable bashing of teeth and bone with glimpses of compassion and kindness meet the Pacific rim awfully quick.
The Hughes Brothers work the symbolism and perceptions excellently, avoiding a preaching temptation for a laid back, honest, rules for living and treating others approach. Broadly, more than the “book” can be used for good or evil, so can nuclear power, or “control” of others. Almost anything can become an obsession and thereby tainted.
Do unto others better than yourself. That’s an irony itself as its also been flamed at Fahrenheit 451 at least partially blamed for the bombed out cities, burned-out car-laden highways, and the packs of cycle riding gangs preying upon anything still alive. Yet, it contains the seeds of hope for a future civilization.
Infamously, Jim Jones who the ordered mass suicide in Jonestown invoked the absolute authoritarian nature of some belief systems (cults), yet, he had before him the same words that articulately embody loving your brother (or sister) more than yourself. The Bible has spawned the Spanish Inquisition, witch hunts, man-made and man-enforced doctrine ranging from dress codes ( women must wear skirts/dresses, no pants) to lifestyle rules ( no smoking, drinking, visiting amusement parks, reading comic books, going to sporting events), and male gender superiority (woman must follow their husband’s commands, they can’t serve in certain church positions) .
By contrast, those verses that seemingly inspire tyranny do not equate with other more prominent themes of unconditional love, peaceful relationships, and disdain for self-importance (thus the accusation that many man-made rules are taken out of context).
Washington may trudge down a familiar bombed-out pathway, but I’m happy they’ve mostly avoided zombie incarnations in favor of the intellectual would-be New World dictator. A quiet man with a three letter name, his mixed martial arts abilities and shooting skills have no acquisition explanation. Living through faith, inspiration and Christian do better unto others than yourself peaks as Washington turns down a prostitute but offers her food, drink and prayer before the meal.
Dangling more than the creaking, swinging ruins of the Golden Gate Bridge in the hurried, yet cinematic ironic, arrival on the West Coast are his near invulnerability and the Braille Good Book. I’d have like a few more moments at Malcolm McDowell’s world’s end museum for unraveling cinematic and spiritual symbols.
Solara (Mila Kunis), Oldham’s unwanted stepdaughter, eventually inscribes ‘faith, hope, and bullets’ on her forehead as she’s about to be the female synergy that will rip the gender from its backlash to male chattels and objects for trafficking to a few steps back in equality’s direction. Of course, we have to imagine what will occur on her desert foray. Credits have rolled.
“Book of Eli” accentuates a heartland smitten back to western living, and its cousin, the post-apocalyptic “The Road, ” envisions a jungle tribe approach (think “Survivor”) with can’t resist Romero trademarked flesh eating zombies (no, call it like it is, cannibals ) facing a crueler reality, The latter equates more deep thoughts, but “Eli” allows you to enjoy yourself a little while also thinking critically about its message --- one of hope, but also , that from the same source can evolve --- with power in human hands --- both evil and good.