As a longtime fan of post-apocalyptic sci-fi and a connoisseur of Denzel Washington‘s performances, I can confidently say that The Book of Eli is an unforgettable journey that still holds up more than a decade after its release. This movie showcases Denzel at his finest, delivering a gripping portrayal of the blind warrior Eli, navigating a desolate wasteland to protect the last remaining Bible.
There’s pretty much no role that Denzel Washington can’t absolutely nail, and it’s his performance, alongside a small handful of other acting greats, that still makes The Book of Eli (streaming here on Peacock) such a persistently compelling watch — even nearly 15 years on from the original post-apocalyptic sci-fi movie’s 2010 release.
In the movie “The Book of Eli“, Washington plays the title role of a blind and lone champion of righteousness. The film weaves a straightforward, allegorical story with a distinctly Western flavor, one that soars well above the thin narrative foundation. Much of this success can be attributed to the film’s main cast, which includes Gary Oldman as the bitterly evil Bill Carnegie, a remnant of pre-apocalyptic times who covets power in the devastated American landscape left by nuclear explosions. Mila Kunis also shines as Solara, a youth born after the bombings who becomes entangled in Carnegie’s manipulations, yet finds herself instinctively drawn to Eli’s spiritually guided quest.
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The Book of Eli: Denzel Washington delivers the goods with a simple sci-fi story
The story of the movie “The Book of Eli” is stripped down by its creator, Gary Whitta (who’s known for writing “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”), to show the essence of a science fiction tale. Dennis Washington, a character driven by faith, carries what could be the world’s last Bible. Alone, he journeys across a barren wasteland, moving towards the Bible’s ultimate destination, a place he’s never been and can only find through a divine instinct that tells him he will recognize it when he arrives.
When Eli arrives in Carnegie’s rundown town, things quickly take an unexpected turn. This is because Carnegie, a man with a deep understanding of faith and its persuasive power over people, finds out that Eli possesses a religious text that could significantly increase his control over the townsfolk. A confrontation arises, as it turns out that Eli, who is blind, demonstrates an extraordinary talent for quick and forceful violence, reminiscent of the combat skills portrayed in the classic blind swordsman films like Zatoichi or the Marvel character Daredevil.
Eventually, Carnegie takes control of the Holy Book from Eli, but Eli manages to escape from a questionable situation. Accompanied by Solara, he gradually makes his way westward until they reach San Francisco. In an unexpected plot twist, it is discovered that the Bible Carnegie sought was almost useless because it was written in braille. Fortunately for them, Eli had spent numerous years contemplating its teachings. From Genesis to Revelation, he could recite from memory the entire King James Bible to a group of scholars who were planning to construct their new civilization on Alcatraz Island, offering a sanctuary amidst post-apocalyptic conditions.
So what’s up with The Book of Eli TV series?
At the end of the film, Eli passes away after completing his mission. The movie concludes with a hint that Solara’s spiritual journey may still be unfolding. Although a sequel was never made to delve deeper into this concept, recent trends in Hollywood have rekindled the possibility that “The Book of Eli” could become an initial installment for a potential franchise.
There’s a new small-screen adaptation of “The Book of Eli” in development, starring John Boyega as the main character. Previously a Stormtrooper in “Star Wars,” Boyega has also been confirmed as an executive producer for this series. According to Deadline, he will portray a younger version of Washington’s Eli character, and the show will bring back Whitta (as co-creator, writer, and executive producer) and the Hughes Brothers (known for “Menace II Society” and “From Hell”), who directed the original 2010 film.
In various video games like Twisted Metal and Fallout, as well as many others, barren wastelands are currently popular settings. However, the desolate, sun-scorched desert from The Book of Eli, which challenges Washington’s resilience, stands out distinctly – a fitting landscape for Denzel’s solitary journey to preserve the light of faith.
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2024-08-22 20:01