Book of Eli

Bias alert!

I saw Denzel Washington’s latest film: Book of Eli. While I loathe this genre of post-apocalyptic films i.e., life after some great catastrophic event where civilization is reduced to rubble and the remaining humans live savagely with less moral fiber than the animals scavenging for food, save a few valiant characters; I wanted to know more of this book. I love books; I love a good story.

While there is merit in protecting something sacred, I wasn’t impressed with this stylized plot. I was put off by the underlining religious significance of this book or that life is impotent without sacred teachings. (Truthfully I watched only because I adore Denzel’s walk, more accurately his strut, and physique.) However, I was intrigued by this book that ordered his steps.

I heard a personal message through his character’s words. At one point he told a victimized character of how he heard a powerful voice “within,” and that this voice gave him guidance and more importantly, PURPOSE, to travel westward—a journey he had been making for 30 plus years. Eli -- his character, told of how he would “be protected” against all obstacles in carrying out “his life’s work.” I think Eli described this “voice” as a Light. Although I want to hear these messages again, this action drama was too violent for me to sit through it again.

Anyway, the film gave me HOMEWORK. My task was to re-address my life’s work, 1st reassess what it is? 2nd go inward to invite the still small voice to speak—then LISTEN intently. And last, “…to walk by faith not by sight.” Be assured that no one and no obstacles can impede me from reaching my destination, like the character said, “I am protected.” I would be curious to learn what others heard in this movie. Were there messages, metaphysical or secular, for you? Did you distill any life lessons from this piece of art?