‘The Book of Eli’ is a B-movie project built around a 10-step program

 

Editor’s note: Peter Lewis has agreed to use whatever it is you call his writing style to provide some measure of analysis to those folks who still go to a theater to see a movie. Enjoy.

review by Peter Lewis

“The Book of Eli” is a film of lost hope. Not only for the people in the post-apocalyptic world portrayed, but for those in the theater.

There are so many potential positive attributes associated with the film, it’s almost hard to believe it’s not better than it is. Sadly, however, for each step forward, The “Book of Eli” subsequently takes two in reverse.

Eli, played by Denzel Washington, is in possession of a book that will help restore humanity to the decrepit and inhumane post-apocalyptic existence. Washington’s character seems to merely be a complete reproduction of the perceived notion of a “lone wolf” in popular mythology. That is to say, tight lipped, incredibly adept at surviving, and showing absolutely no sign of wavering on his mission.

The performance is classic Washington. And when I say that, I do not mean it a compliment. His work is far from multi-faceted, so it is quite fortunate that he is not called to show much range beyond a cold stare during the film.

Over a period of 30 years he continues to move westward, certain he will find a community that needs his book. As one might expect, Eli’s road toward this town is filled with highly stylized and inordinately graphic bloodletting.

That the Hughes Brothers were behind the film was no surprise. From the earliest work on the groundbreaking “Menace II Society” through their most recent feature film, “From Hell,” yes the one that came out way back in 2001, they have shown a penchant for the graphic and grotesque. It is to the point that they now seem a one-trick pony. What once earned them praise as unflinching purveyors of harsh reality, is now just as staid as a granny shot at the free-throw line. That they continue to utilize it heavily in their work makes one wonder if they are incapable of eliciting an audience (or critical) response without the use of these heavy handed tactics.

It is unfortunate, but the entire film is mired in a sort of obviousness that is usually reserved for B-movie projects. "The Book of Eli" is a complete cookie cutter story. While I don’t wish to give away the entirety of the story, let me just say that the film progresses just as one might expect a lone-wolf tale to unfold. Here it is in 10 easy to master steps (aspiring film students, you might want to write these down):
1. Enter protagonist. Illustrate his awesomeness and knack for survival.
2. Reveal shadowy purpose.
3. Enter town and cue conflict with bad bad man.
4. Exhibit more protagonist badassery.
5. Reveal softer side of hardened warrior persona.
6. Showdown with bad bad man.
7. Enter unexpected awesomeness by previously unassuming (and unwanted) side-kick.
8. Will they make it!?!? OMG!?
9. Oh! Slight plot twist as film nears its end!
10. Cue inane monologue as film closes.

Perhaps I am being a bit heavy-handed and snarky myself through this enumeration.  But, cantankerous cynicism aside, the film is most disconcerting not in its obviousness or even the poor acting by the supporting cast, but in the lost potential mentioned earlier. If handled properly, the film has the potential to become a riveting story of hope in a hopeless world. Instead, we are left with an ill-crafted narrative, heavy-handed direction, and at least one disappointed viewer.

• The Book of Eli is playing at the Carmike 14 and the Malco Cinema 12 in Fort Smith, and the Malco Van Buren Cinema. Link here for time and ticket info.

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