I personally don't mind spoilers and for twists and such I think I actually prefer to know before hand to be on the lookout and see how well the filmmakers hid it/foreshadowed it. Cant wait to see the film once it comes out here trailers got me interested and discussion here makes me think I will enjoy it.
San Fran was the last place you'd expect the bible to wind up as it's such a liberal, secular city. So I liked the irony of that, even moreso when you consider it's named after one of the more famous saints. Plus the whole thing with Alcatraz now being used to store goodness rather than evil.
DrForester said:
Any word if you get to do a commentary track on the Blu-Ray Gary?
San Fran was the last place you'd expect the bible to wind up as it's such a liberal, secular city. So I liked the irony of that, even moreso when you consider it's named after one of the more famous saints. Plus the whole thing with Alcatraz now being used to store goodness rather than evil.
Sure, I can see a reason for a preference and even thought of that 'irony' of sorts when I saw the film, but knowing it in advance wouldn't really ruin that particular part of the story.
As for it being inappropriate to have her write a Book of Eli, I don't think it would have been at all. Especially in terms of the old testament the books were often much more about crucial points in history than about the divinity of the people in them. Surely this story would qualify as a crucial point in that world's history.
But I'm an atheist, myself, so may not be giving a fair shake to other perspectives. I'm just not sure you could consider the story adding a new Book within its universe to be blasphemous and not consider the whole story to begin with blasphemous.
Sure, I can see a reason for a preference and even thought of that 'irony' of sorts when I saw the film, but knowing it in advance wouldn't really ruin that particular part of the story.
As for it being inappropriate to have her write a Book of Eli, I don't think it would have been at all. Especially in terms of the old testament the books were often much more about crucial points in history than about the divinity of the people in them. Surely this story would qualify as a crucial point in that world's history.
But I'm an atheist, myself, so may not be giving a fair shake to other perspectives. I'm just not sure you could consider the story adding a new Book within its universe to be blasphemous and not consider the whole story to begin with blasphemous.
I can see why some people would have been offended, but for me, it's too Lord of the Rings for my taste.
Gary did you already have an agent before writing this? What was the process of selling the script? (Maybe you already posted it, if so anyone got a link?)
But I'm an atheist, myself, so may not be giving a fair shake to other perspectives. I'm just not sure you could consider the story adding a new Book within its universe to be blasphemous and not consider the whole story to begin with blasphemous.
Blasphemous? Absolutely not. We had to walk a very fine line and put a lot of care and effort into presenting a story that faith-based audiences wouldn't be offended by or see as in any way exploitative of their beliefs, and we seem to have for the most part succeeded as from what I'm seeing the vast majority of that audience is really embracing the film. Anyway, for me personally that fine line stopped way short of in any way editing or amending the bible.
Gary did you already have an agent before writing this? What was the process of selling the script? (Maybe you already posted it, if so anyone got a link?)
I did, yes. The process was pretty straightforward - wrote a first draft then rewrote it a bit to get it into shape, then my agent sent it out to studios and WB bought it.
Saw this tonight, I enjoyed it a lot. I sort of had to drag a couple friends to go see it, and even standing in line for tickets one was trying to get us to see another movie by showing us the RT rating and saying critics called the twist stupid. Afterwards, we all agreed the movie was very good, and I loved the twist. I didn't see it coming, but right after I saw it I thought back on the movie and noticed all the hints that I just hadn't put together.
My main gripe was that the camera got really close into Denzels' face way too often. :lol
Awesome movie, will buy on BD.
blind before the flash (he knew how to read brail)? How did a blind kid survive after emerging from his underground hiding place and before god gave him super duper powers...
You know Gary, you should write a spec script for Fallout 3 just for the hell of it. Watching The Book of Eli reminded me of how cool it could be.
Also: My only critique of it is that it should have ended with
the new bible being placed on the shelf - with a few shots being moved around to make it fit better.
I wonder if Gary put in them wearing shades specifically to
hide the fact he's blind. As a screenwriter I could imagine me writing that going: "Well wouldn't they notice he couldn't see when he's shooting people? Sunglasses! Yes! They'll all wear shades because... the sun! The sky was ripped open because... something something."
Sure, I can see a reason for a preference and even thought of that 'irony' of sorts when I saw the film, but knowing it in advance wouldn't really ruin that particular part of the story.
But I'm an atheist, myself, so may not be giving a fair shake to other perspectives. I'm just not sure you could consider the story adding a new Book within its universe to be blasphemous and not consider the whole story to begin with blasphemous.
So many times its hard to ever explain why the bible came together as it did. We can go back to the stories of King James having the "first" bible put together and printed and get an idea but as most people of faith would believe it was "god breathed" as some like to say. Adding something to it is something we just dont feel is necessary.
Modern day christians are quite easy people to get along with when it comes to movies I believe. I ask at least ask that a story if its going to have a christian tone in some way to give us our fair shake as well, not be heavy handed, and not make fun of what we all hold dear.
Can I ask if you have any background in theology ? (Serious question, some atheists do and some don't)
Gary Whitta said:
Blasphemous? Absolutely not. We had to walk a very fine line and put a lot of care and effort into presenting a story that faith-based audiences wouldn't be offended by or see as in any way exploitative of their beliefs, and we seem to have for the most part succeeded as from what I'm seeing the vast majority of that audience is really embracing the film. Anyway, for me personally that fine line stopped way short of in any way editing or amending the bible.
i very mch agreed. I very much prefer the KJV, in my opinion it's far and away the most beautiful version to read. I rarely read the ones fomr the last 20 years, seems like they try to dumb it down for people.
Saw the movie last night with a fellow GAFer...we both enjoyed it. Love the title song. Have been a fan of Atticus Ross for awhile, specifically for his involvement with Trent Rezor/Nine Inch Nails.
edit: Having fun watching posters on RT shoot down rotten reviews...and they're right. Alot of these so-called "critics" write as if they didn't actually watch the film. :lol
Saw the movie last night with a fellow GAFer...we both enjoyed it. Love the title song. Have been a fan of Atticus Ross for awhile, specifically for his involvement with Trent Rezor/Nine Inch Nails.
edit: Having fun watching posters on RT shoot down rotten reviews...and they're right. Alot of these so-called "critics" write as if they didn't actually watch the film. :lol
This is true. The community tends to consist of people who generally love films ( none of them actually get paid to put up scores and reviews). There's no bias, there's no pressure to put something up or down.
So when they love a film, it's got something special to it. And when they hate it, the same applies.
Book of Eli should be loved by everyone who loves westerns, and good post-apocalyptic films. Most of the community reflects this genuine feelings of the users that pay and don't get paid to watch films. There's no list of things they hold it to. Just the experience is what counts.
Critics these days would kill and discount classic westerns, with silly questions such as "Who is he? Where is he from? What is his background? I must know this, or else, it's a bad film!"
I saw the movie a few nights ago with my girlfriend and we both loved it. Really liked the Fallout vibe that it had. The twist blew our minds but was well done so it didn't come off as tacky to me. I'd love to get more backstory about the history of the world leading up to and after the war. Great job Gary Whitta, can't wait till the blu-ray comes out.
I saw this the other night with a friend of mine and I can honestly say I enjoyed it (my friend loved it as well). I'm too lazy to write out something that's actually coherent so I'll just throw up a few quick points.
+ The soundtrack is awesome. Awesome enough that I just bought if on the Amazon mp3 store. It'll mix well with the 28 Weeks Later soundtrack and NIN's Ghosts.
+ The twist was great. It informs the theme of the film in such an important way, rather than just being a cheap "gotcha".
+ Denzel and Oldman were really great. Denzel especially, this might be the most I've liked him since Malcolm X. He tends to have a typical "Denzel" character he plays (kind of like Pacino) but he totally avoids that in Book of Eli. He was fantastic I thought.
+ I'm an atheist (around a 6 on the Dawkins scale) and I totally dug the theme of the film. I'm not sure what that says exactly, other than the films faith message isn't alienating.
- It took a bit too long for the plot to get moving. The opening scene establishes the world so well I felt part of the scenes afterward were a bit unnecessary.
- I'm not sure I buy Mila Kunis as an Eli-level badass yet,
despite the end of the film
. The film hits a great note with
the completion of the King James Bible and the death of Eli
, the Solara bit at the end seemed a tad off.
- Overall I like the Hughes Brothers style but it crossed over into just being self indulgent a few times. It doesn't happen often and the film really benefits from their style as a whole but every now and then it just goes a bit too over the top.
Oh, I have a question for Gary. My friend and I seem to remember the major twist of this film being spoiled on AICN awhile back (neither of us remembered it until after the movie, thank god) and I was just wondering if you remember this happening and if so, how depressed did you get?
Terrific four-star review from the Twin Cities Pioneer Press:
From the first moment of "The Book of Eli" to the last, I was enthralled. "Eli" is the work of confident filmmakers - brothers Allen and Albert Hughes - and they are in control of every aspect of this great-looking, beautifully acted and emotionally engaging movie. Even though it's at least the fourth movie in the past six months to show us life after the apocalypse, "Eli's" vision is bracingly original.
Oh, and my favorite celebrity endorsement so far - Adam Baldwin (Jayne!) tweeted that he loved the movie. Since he started following me, I got about a hundred new followers in the past hour. The man has a FANBASE! Hopefully his endorsement puts some butts in seats
Bizarrely, he was actually who I had in mind when I was writing Carnegie's henchman, Redridge.
Oh, I have a question for Gary. My friend and I seem to remember the major twist of this film being spoiled on AICN awhile back (neither of us remembered it until after the movie, thank god) and I was just wondering if you remember this happening and if so, how depressed did you get?
I guess I was slightly bummed, not majorly so though. It's one of the extra vulnerabilities you expose yourself to when you write something that has a big surprise in it. We did everything we could to keep it under wraps but in the age of the internet there's only so much you can do. At the end of the day it wasn't that big a deal, I'm sure it leaked out a little bit but the vast majority of the viewing audience wasn't affected. We still blew a lot of people's minds
So many times its hard to ever explain why the bible came together as it did. We can go back to the stories of King James having the "first" bible put together and printed and get an idea but as most people of faith would believe it was "god breathed" as some like to say. Adding something to it is something we just dont feel is necessary.
Modern day christians are quite easy people to get along with when it comes to movies I believe. I ask at least ask that a story if its going to have a christian tone in some way to give us our fair shake as well, not be heavy handed, and not make fun of what we all hold dear.
Can I ask if you have any background in theology ? (Serious question, some atheists do and some don't)
i very mch agreed. I very much prefer the KJV, in my opinion it's far and away the most beautiful version to read. I rarely read the ones fomr the last 20 years, seems like they try to dumb it down for people.
The Bible's books were decided by committee long before King James had his hand in translating it to English. Bibles printed/written in Latin were 'common' before then. Never mind Jewish bibles written in hebrew (which apparently still existed at
Alcatraz
). Not really sure what translations have to do with anything, though. I'm suggesting a new book would be added, not that there would be a new effort at translating the existing ones.
I can't imagine that, were
Christianity to continue past an apocalypse like the one shown in the movie, and were it to continue because of a blind man crossing the desert under the protection of God
, it wouldn't warrant an addendum in the bible. And part of the reason I was expecting it was because of the double entendre in the title.
I have an interest, but no formal education or training on the subject.
I've skipped lot of the debate / discussion and just went to see the movie. What else is there to say? This was easily one of the best movies I've seen in a while. I totally don't get the negative reviews, this flick was awesome.
The pastor at the semi-large rural church in Texas I go to had no quams recomending this to people over the weekend ? Would you ever think that would happen.
Are we being spoiled by comic book and video game lead-ins, prequels, sequels and flashback scenes? Look at all the people in this thread and the RT reviews that have a problem with the lack of backstory and character history. What's wrong with just enjoying the film?
I don't think knowing what "ripped a hole in the sky" or where Eli came from or why it took him 30 years would have made me enjoy the movie more. On the contrary, I think it may have messed up the pacing.
The pastor at the semi-large rural church in Texas I go to had no quams recomending this to people over the weekend ? Would you ever think that would happen.
There was definitely a hope that faith-based audiences would embrace the film, and it's been really amazingly gratifying to see that this does appear to be happening. What really blew my mind: some divinity/theology college courses are assigning this film as homework!
The Bible's books were decided by committee long before King James had his hand in translating it to English. Bibles printed/written in Latin were 'common' before then. Never mind Jewish bibles written in hebrew (which apparently still existed at
Alcatraz
). Not really sure what translations have to do with anything, though. I'm suggesting a new book would be added, not that there would be a new effort at translating the existing ones.
I can't imagine that, were
Christianity to continue past an apocalypse like the one shown in the movie, and were it to continue because of a blind man crossing the desert under the protection of God
, it wouldn't warrant an addendum in the bible. And part of the reason I was expecting it was because of the double entendre in the title.
I have an interest, but no formal education or training on the subject.
Yes the whole "by committee" thing is surely how it came together and I completely understand where you come from on that. I was just refering to its current state as being the one we look to now. Wish I was more versed in the origin of how it all came together, maybe I wouldnt sound so ignorant haha.
Something tells me Gary already posted this since he's never late! :lol
Video for "The Passenger" remix from the Book of Eli Soundtrack, with visuals by Rupert Sanders, whose work you may have seen somewhat recently in the form of those gritty live-action Halo 3 ODST commercials.
Gary, as an owner of a hairless cat, I think I wept a little at the beginning of the film.
Ive seen the movie twice now, and might be seeing it again soon.
Upon the second viewing, if you are watching knowing that Eli is blind, it's almost kind of obvious. Denzel does a great job with it. I think the first time it really shows is when he hits the car door and then checks the feet for shoes. Then in the house, running his hand along the dishes. The part that is really clever, is that you think Eli is jumping about seeing the dead guy hanging in the closet, but he actually jumps because they fall off the hinges. He doesnt notice the dead guy, until he smells him. Several other giveaways throughout the movie.
Really enjoyed the movie, have no problems with the product placements or anything like that. Actually, all of those were pretty neat to see in the post apocalyptic world.
I remember watching the pre-inauguration thing and that was the first time I'd seen Denzel since he had started growing the beard for the movie. As soon as I saw it I was like - "Hey, he's Eli now!" :lol
I remember watching the pre-inauguration thing and that was the first time I'd seen Denzel since he had started growing the beard for the movie. As soon as I saw it I was like - "Hey, he's Eli now!" :lol
Something tells me Gary already posted this since he's never late! :lol
Video for "The Passenger" remix from the Book of Eli Soundtrack, with visuals by Rupert Sanders, whose work you may have seen somewhat recently in the form of those gritty live-action Halo 3 ODST commercials.
Wow, that's pretty cool. I had not seen/heard that, thanks for the link! "The Passenger" is one of my favorite tracks on the album. Can't wait for the limited edition vinyl to come out next month!
I don't understand how reviews are so split on this movie. Do people need every little thing explained? People want to know why Eli has clean headphones or why Solara can drive? These things really aren't important and can be explained in a few ways. They shouldn't even be the focus. People also want a whole backstory explained throughout the movie. Why? I don't understand how that would make the movie more enjoyable.
I don't understand how reviews are so split on this movie. Do people need every little thing explained? People want to know why Eli has clean headphones or why Solara can drive? These things really aren't important and can be explained in a few ways. They shouldn't even be the focus. People also want a who backstory explained throughout the movie. Why? I don't understand how that would make the movie more enjoyable.
We made a conscious decision not to overly explain everything and to instead let the audience fill in the gaps with their own imaginations because that's the more interesting way to do it, and I think for the most part audiences have been appreciative of that, but there will always be some who have grown so lazy from being overly spoon-fed by typical studio storytelling that they're walking away confused. Looking back on it, there's not a single thing I would do differently.
Currently the most-watched movie trailer on the internet
Big box office boosts 'Book of Eli' trailer
Online views increase 189% in post-release week
A strong opening weekend at the box office provided a boost to "Book of Eli's" online film trailer as views increased 189% for the Warner Bros. pic in its post-release week. Actioner jumped from sixth to first with a final tally of over 1 million views.
If you don't think about it too much, this movie is awesome and well worth watching. The religious elements that people have been complaining about are up more for personal interpretation than anything, and it's certainly not the evangelical bible propaganda that i've heard some claim it to be. I think it's a good addition to the PA setting, with Mila Kunis holding it back more than anything.
Something tells me Gary already posted this since he's never late! :lol
Video for "The Passenger" remix from the Book of Eli Soundtrack, with visuals by Rupert Sanders, whose work you may have seen somewhat recently in the form of those gritty live-action Halo 3 ODST commercials.
We made a conscious decision not to overly explain everything and to instead let the audience fill in the gaps with their own imaginations because that's the more interesting way to do it, and I think for the most part audiences have been appreciative of that, but there will always be some who have grown so lazy from being overly spoon-fed by typical studio storytelling that they're walking away confused. Looking back on it, there's not a single thing I would do differently.
I watched this and while the movie wasn't bad it wasn't really good either. Most of the plot seemed like a vehicle have a comic book like hero slashing into people and generally looking "badass"TM. It did that pretty well though.
Pretty piss poor performance from Denzel Washington here doesn't help. The bad guys helped him out by standing back and taking turns to get slaughtered though just like the old classics. I also liked how the bow and arrows magically disappeared and reappeared at times so he didn't have to lug it around with him.
It's really a stretch to say that people just didn't get the clever omissions of obvious plot holes and fuckups. The movie and script is decent but it has its flaws.
I watched this and while the movie wasn't bad it wasn't really good either. Most of the plot seemed like a vehicle have a comic book like hero slashing into people and generally looking "badass"TM. It did that pretty well though.
Pretty piss poor performance from Denzel Washington here doesn't help. The bad guys helped him out by standing back and taking turns to get slaughtered though just like the old classics. I also liked how the bow and arrows magically disappeared and reappeared at times so he didn't have to lug it around with him.
It's really a stretch to say that people just didn't get the clever omissions of obvious plot holes and fuckups. The movie and script is decent but it has its flaws.
What plot holes? Please point them out? There was nothing wrong with the plot or the action scenes(which were amazing IMO). This doesn't feel like a comic book or comic book movie to me. This is one of Washington's worst performances? Really? I personally think this is his best and ranks up there with Man on Fire, Training Day, The Manchurian Candidate and He got Game.
If you don't think about it too much, this movie is awesome and well worth watching. The religious elements that people have been complaining about are up more for personal interpretation than anything, and it's certainly not the evangelical bible propaganda that i've heard some claim it to be. I think it's a good addition to the PA setting, with Mila Kunis holding it back more than anything.
Really? I think that she was pretty decent in this movie.
It's weird; I have actually come to like the movie a bit more in retrospect, perhaps because some of the logical inconsistencies that I noted the first time around kind of fade away with time, while the coolness of the setting, the decent action scenes, and the pretty soundtrack kind of stay with me.
We made a conscious decision not to overly explain everything and to instead let the audience fill in the gaps with their own imaginations because that's the more interesting way to do it, and I think for the most part audiences have been appreciative of that, but there will always be some who have grown so lazy from being overly spoon-fed by typical studio storytelling that they're walking away confused. Looking back on it, there's not a single thing I would do differently.
I saw the movie a second time and in the part where he fights the guys under the overpass his blade clearly switches hands for a second. Are we supposed to beleive this is some sort of magical blade?
As far as the blind thing goes, it would be impossible for him to find shelter and certain supplies if he were completely blind. I propose that he learned to read braille because of retina damage during the flash and we meet him in the movie at a point where his other senses are more reliable than his vision. I guess he was like a combination of Zatoichi and a divine monk.
I loved it. I saw this movie solo as my fiancee was out of town at a convention and I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end. The cinematography, the soundtrack, the acting. In fact I just bought the album off of iTunes. I wasn't aware of how much of a role Christianity played in the plot so that was a nice surprise. Big thumbs up Gary. I'll be sure to pick up the BD when it comes out.
What plot holes? Please point them out? There was nothing wrong with the plot or the action scenes(which were amazing IMO). This doesn't feel like a comic book or comic book movie to me. This is one of Washington's worst performances? Really? I personally think this is his best and ranks up there with Man on Fire, Training Day, The Manchurian Candidate and He got Game.
