The Book of Eli is a well shot and scripted apocalyptic road movie with the King James Bible at the centre of its story, making it an interesting film to watch and possibly study in the Year of the Bible.
Eli walks alone in post-apocalyptic America. He heads west along the Highway of Death on a mission he doesn't fully understand but knows he must complete. In his backpack is the last copy of a book that could become the wellspring of a revived society. Or in the wrong hands (those of Carnegie), the hammer of a despot. "We walk by faith, not by sight," quotes Eli.
An essential question raised by the story is what contributes to building a civilization. As much as Eli believes the Bible will serve as the basis for a new, just and equitable society, a chance to start over and avoid the errors of the past, Carnegie sees the same text as a means to controlling people and expanding his dominion. The two might agree on the inherent power of the words between the covers of this book but have diametrically disparate views on how that power should be used.
Allen Hughes, who directed the film with his twin Albert, says: “What we’d like people to take away from ‘The Book of Eli’ is an appreciation of life and how precious it is. It’s a story that touches on universal themes of faith, commitment, sacrifice and, ultimately, hope. These are the elements that originally attracted us and we tried to do them justice.”
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Al Green - How Can You Mend A Broken Heart.
1 comment:
On your recommendation, will certainly make every effort to get to see this, Jonathan.
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