The Next Reel Film Podcast The Book of Eli • The Next Reel
"Stay on the path."
Right from the start, it was clear that Albert and Allen Hughes knew how to put films together. Whether paying homage to filmmakers they admire or playing with their own showy techniques, they know how to play with the visual tools they have available. In their post-apocalyptic film The Book of Eli, they make a very compelling film that’s exciting and entertaining while still maintaining the visceral edge they love to employ. But sadly, it’s the last film they worked on together, having since parted ways as filmmakers. Will they reunite down the road? Who knows. Will they increase their output now that they’re working solo? Not so far. Time will tell, but for now, this stands as the final Hughes Brothers film. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we close the chapter on our Hughes Brothers series with their 2010 film The Book of Eli.
We talk about the incredible world the brothers create with this film and how fascinating it is, and how unfortunately it’s weighed down by a huge issue that neither of us can buy into. We talk about Gary Whitta’s script, how it was found and what some of our other problems are with it – though still celebrating the great elements in it too. We discuss Denzel in his fabulous performance here, even if one element of it still is our biggest problem. We also talk about the rest of the cast and how well they work in the film here. We celebrate the look of the film and all of the team who helped bring it to fruition. And we tip our hat to the fantastic camerawork, stunt work and sound work that came together to bring some incredible fight sequences to life.
We have some issues with this film to be sure, but it’s still a completely engrossing film to watch that we have a great time with. It’s probably not for everyone but for anyone who is a fan of dystopian stories, it’s worth the watch. We have a great time chatting about it as we wrap up this series. Check it out then tune in!
Film Sundries
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- Script Transcript
- Original theatrical trailer
- Original poster artwork
- Flickchart
- Letterboxd
Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri — "Frances McDormand has proven herself to be a powerhouse actress before, but in this trailer, she’s kicking ass and taking names. Martin McDonagh makes films with incredible characters and it looks like he’s at it again here. Plus, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell and Peter Dinklage! I’m totally in!"
- Pete's Trailer: The Book of Henry — "Man, did this trailer ever take off in a direction I wasn’t expecting. Excited to see Jacob Tremblay in just about anything again, but that he ends up in another strong mother/son thriller? I guess that should be expected."
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