By Sara Shereen Bakhshian
In Warner Bros.’ “The Book of Eli,” sometime in the future a lone warrior Eli [Denzel Washington] is on a mission surrounding the presumed last remaining Bible. In the midst of his journey, Eli comes across a robber baron of sorts, named Carnegie (Gary Oldman) and his partner’s daughter, Solara (Mila Kunis), changing his life. Before the film’s Jan. 15 release, the cast members sat down for roundtable discussions with reporters of faith-based publications to discuss their characters, the film and spirituality.
Some answers are condensed for spatial purposes.
What is the thesis of the film?
Denzel Washington: Ultimately, the film to me is hopeful. [Despite all that happens, Solara] walks through those gates and carries the word on forward.
The film’s advertising focuses on one believing, and it is narrowed down to your character Eli. What is meant to be believed in?
Washington: My father was a minister for 50 years (with) Pentecostal Church of God in Christ. We prayed about everything, every day, then he always said, “Amen. God is love.” I thought God is love was one word. Like “Godislove.” And it took me a long time to learn what that really meant. If you don’t love your fellow man, women, person, then you don’t have anything. … If you don’t treat your neighbor as you would want to be treated that to me is the fundamental message.
The audience doesn’t get to know a lot about Eli’s past. How did he get skills like martial arts?
Washington: In [Eli's] 30 years of walking, you run into people. I make light of it, but that’s almost the way I looked at it. … There’s this whole issue, without giving it away, is he blind, is he not. … If you look at the movie, sometimes I actually bumped into stuff — and they used it. But it was actually an accident or it was God’s will. In a couple of scenes, I bumped and tripped over stuff and they kept it in there. I’m sure there will be people [who say], “Oh, there’s the clue. … I told you he was [blind] because he bumped into that.” So maybe he can [see], maybe he can’t? Maybe he can see a little bit? Maybe his eyes are clouded? I don’t know.
So martial art skills don’t necessarily come with God’s calling?
Washington: It could be a gifting.
Mila, what drew you to the film in particular?
Mila Kunis: I was excited to work with Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman and the [directors, the Hughes] Brothers. I mean, it was a simple decision of mine there.
How did not knowing the world before play into Solara’s character development?
Kunis: I think our journey is dependent on the fact that she doesn’t know what the world has to offer. That’s [why] she’s willing to venture out full force not realizing the good, the bad and the ugly. But she’s willing to try.
What are Carnegie’s redeeming qualities?
Gary Oldman: I think along the way, he’s got sort of distracted and he may be contaminated a bit from the water. He wants to put some kind of order together amongst all this chaos. And I think it’s a miraculous thing that he’s done. If you think about all the things that one just takes for granted that are just so readily there, like heating, cooling, refrigeration, food, water, all of those things. And then suddenly all of that was taken away. For this guy to have even [gotten] this far and put this community together is an incredible thing in the circumstances.
Kunis: He had good intentions, it’s just the way he went about them was a little askew. He’s not a bad guy.
Oldman: Maybe it’s Eli’s faith I think ultimately that he’s kind of – that’s something that’s immovable. And I talked a little bit about this with [director] Allen [Hughes] and I think [Carnegie] probably envies it. You can sense it, you sense it in people.
Kunis: I thought [Carnegie] was the most mysterious character because at first I thought he wanted the Bible in kind of a satanic kind of, “I hate this book.” But he kind of revered it, but in an odd kind of way.
Oldman: But I think he believes. I think he’s there but believing that he can bring order to this community. I mean, he’s been very clever [with the community].
So, it’s kind of a benevolent meets pragmatism that drives him?
Oldman: Initially, I think yeah. But when you are the guy with the [power] – I mean, the currency is this fresh water. It’s like anyone. I think the power’s got to him.
Did Solara feel a hopelessness or did she just not know any better because of her situation?
Kunis: I think she’s naïve due to the circumstances, but I don’t think she was hopeless. I think her whole purpose of when she met Eli was that he gave her hope. And he gave her a reason to want to explore and see what all the world has to offer, good or bad. So, I think he inspired her to live.
*Photo by Warner Bros/David Lee
posted January 17, 2010 at 1:17 pm
I saw the movie this weekend and found it awesome,dark and full of hope as Eli is undeterred from his quest to go West as led by a voice from God to complete his journey to his destination. He felt protected by God and it ended leaving me hanging onto the hope that Solara will carry on his legacy. I was left hoping there will be a sequel showing flashbacks of Eli teaching her his beliefs as well as his skills and fearlessness as they ventured West to help protect and enlighten her before she heads back to free her mother. She appeared open and hungry for His knowledge so that she can complete all that hopefully Eli will entrust to her. I think this is one of Denzel’s best movies ever and for sure will get Mila Kunis some attention as well as Oldman’s welcome back to his expertise as a villian.
posted January 17, 2010 at 4:28 pm
My Husband and I are not ones to go to the movies often unless the previews seem extremeley intriguing. This movie is the best movie that I have seen in years. It is smart, exciting, and I recommend this to any and all Christians to see. It is entertaining as well as inspirational. I will defiantely be going to see it again because you will see something that you may have missed (hints throughout the movie). Beautifully filmed, wonderfully acted! Do not Miss this movie because it must be seen in the theater to get the full effect!! Oscars all around (acting, directing, camera work, special effects).
posted January 18, 2010 at 1:09 pm
I’ll certainly have to see this movie and assess for myself but I must say all the actors comments seemed a bit evasive/wishy/washy. Perhaps because they want you to seek the answers for yourselves…
posted January 19, 2010 at 11:14 am
“My my my” it is overwhelming how God shows up, and shows out, all I can say is wow…..
I was just listening to Steve Harvey’s morning show, and he was just commenting on how good the movie is, and he suggests everyone to go out and see it, the funniest thing, I just learned during his broadcast, that Steve Harvey very seldomly gets out to a movie, but after speaking with Denzel, he was sure to go (so he said),
Steve Harvey is a huge inspiration to me, and I thought well, maybe this izz a good movie, if it got Steve’s vote! I then decided that I’ll go one day and check it out……
As my daily routine, once the kids are off to school I jump on my computer, check my emails, and its this one I have to open, I’m almost drawn to anything spiritual (the newsletters and all) well, when I saw the catch phrase, I could not resist, I read the scripture, and then I scrolled down, only to find this interview with Denzel, Gary and Mila, and now I know more of what the movie is about, so yes it is a guarantee that I will see it (be it God’s will).
And I thought Oprah’s newsletter was an eye opener for me, well, I can say that I adapt this as another spiritual guiding tool for me, to recognize His purpose for me, He only opens more and more doors for me, lets see what He has in store for me tomorrow (and yes, Godislove), lol……
The book of Eli is definately in my plans to see…….
posted January 22, 2010 at 9:27 am
Absolutely phenomenal movie! Denzel is excellent and deserving of the Oscar. I will see it again….and buy the DVD!!
posted January 22, 2010 at 9:59 am
The movie was good.It .could of been better if they used the REAL KING JAMES BIBLE to read from.Not the so called new king james bible.
posted January 22, 2010 at 10:40 am
Just too bad it had to be rated “R”. This prohibits some from seeing it. If they could have changed it a bit (taken out some violence?)
posted January 22, 2010 at 12:20 pm
This is by far one of the best movies I have ever seen. I cannot wait until it comes out on DVD. It was so amazing to hear the reactions of people in the theater, from the ones who didnt like it because it wasnt what they expected to the folks like my wife and I who loved it. I have been telling all of my friends to go see it and they say that it got bad reviews. I have to remind them that GOD is not of the world so anything that is teaching about HIM the world is always against. The movie kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Denzel should definetely win awards for this. Then at the end after he completed his mission Mila went back out to spread the Gospel to the rest of the world.. JESUS is great..
posted January 22, 2010 at 1:20 pm
I love this movie very much. The story is about a person who have faith in God in comparison with the people around him who almost lost their souls because they have rejected the Lord.
It’s a very scary thought how the world looked like when humans dont have God in their lives. War is their everyday activity…looking for food and water is very limited…death is everywhere…violence is very obvious…no sign of life…it’s so desolate…
This movie is a wake up call to all of us. Let’s have God in our lives. Let him rule the world before the devil takes over! Godisgood!
posted January 22, 2010 at 5:32 pm
I am writing to you to congraulate you for your great support in the roles that you be playing in it is a honer to get to see you in action seeing a change in a young persons life when they speak on so much of the great things that brings so much joy into there life know wonder god chose you to make a great empack on so many peoples life if I ever had the chance to work with you it would put a smile apon my heart as will may god bless you in your family in all that you do in all aeras of your life.
posted January 22, 2010 at 8:11 pm
DENZEL IS SUCH A REMARKABLE ACTOR AS WELL AS AN INDIVIDUAL,I’VE ONLY SEEN BITS AND PIECES OF THE MOVIE,BUT THE PARTS THAT I DID SEE WAS OH SO AWESOME..I ALWAYS ENJOY HEARING ABOUT THE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST(COGIC) I TOO AM A MEMBER HERE IN BIRMINGHAM,ALA…THAT’S ALL I KNOW…ANYTHING ABOUT THE BIBLE WHICH IS OUR GUIDE TO ETERNAL LIFE….SO THE BOOK OF ELI IS A GOOD THING…I ADMIRE DENZEL BECAUSE HE APPEARS TO BE A SAVED ACTOR..HIS MANNERISM IS IMPECABLE..I JUST HAVE THAT AGAPE LOVE FOR HIM….BACK IN THE DAY OUR PARENTS RAN THEIR WORDS TOGETHER….REGARDLESS HOW YOUR FATHER SPOKE..YOU KNEW WHAT HE WAS SAYING,BECAUSE GODISLOVE….I DO LOVE DENZEL AND HIS FAMILY…WHEN GOD SENDS ME ANOTHER HUSBAND, HE WILL LOVE THE LORD AND ME COMPLETELY,LIKE DENZEL LOVE GOD AND HIS FAMILY…BISHOP BLAKE IN LA,BISHOP O.L MEADOWS IN BIRMINGHAM, AND MY PASTOR,DR.PAUL RUFFIN….
posted January 22, 2010 at 8:45 pm
I Loved this movie and it inspired me to not take the HOLY BIBLE for granted. I have started reading my bible daily started with the new testament. It is a horror to think of the world without the word and knowlegde of GOD and his Love. Denzel and Oldman did a great job as well as the other actors and the Hughes Brothers. I was very suprised to know they were directing this picture. All did a great Job and I thank them and wish blessings to them all!….”Godislove”….
posted January 22, 2010 at 11:20 pm
it would be nice to the cristians to realize that the bible is a jewish book not cristians book so stop useing this book to hate anyone whom they dont understand and stop saying if you dont believe in jesus you dont go to heaven we have a direct hot line yaway they dont they might not get their either because they forgot the father or native americans the creator the book of daniel stated armagetten in wich takes place in isreal not palistine you see their is no such place the arabs took the bad name they called the jews from the romans and they decied to live their in the fifteen centery from arabia jew pluss egyptian equels arab so they come from us their out mistake
posted January 23, 2010 at 5:17 pm
for all have sinned,and come short of the glory of God.there by the deeds of law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight.. i declare unto you the gospel… how that christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;and that he was buried ,and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures..being jutified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in christ jesus:whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood…in whom we have redemption through his blood,even the forgiveness of sins.in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God and that obey not the gospel of our Lord jesus christ..
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posted March 22, 2010 at 5:46 pm
I went to watch this movie with my wife. We are both long time Christians, baptist. We liked it very much, despite the violence. I can say this movie made me think of how comfortable we live our christianity today, having all the resources, the Bible (Spiritual water) in every translation available, while in this future world the Bible would be almost gone, like the physical water. It made me be grateful to God for the things we have now and also regret our stupid materialism. Thanks for this movie. God bless you.
posted June 17, 2010 at 9:34 pm
This Movie was truly awesome, a blessing and eye opener indeed! I really appreciated the message.
posted June 21, 2010 at 2:17 pm
I believe the day will come when we won’t have access to the Bible in written form. That’s why it’s so important to commit scripture to memory so that you can continue to witness when the actual book is gone or you are not permitted to read it. Sharing the Word is important but you need to know how to apply it to your daily lives. Study to show thyself approved. A workman who should not faint rightly divining the word of truth.’Eli was the bomb’ memorized the whole Word in 30 years. What a beautiful concept. Be blessed.
Marie
posted June 28, 2010 at 11:50 pm
Ok. So at the end of the movie, when the guy is putting the newly made Bible up on the shelf, he puts it inbetween the Tora and another non-christian religious book. Is there any significance to that? Or is that just a lame coincidence?
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posted August 1, 2010 at 3:10 am
was he blind or not, I seen the movie twice and I say know, but by husbands x-wife said he is. please help
posted August 2, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. Matthew 24:35
posted August 9, 2010 at 2:59 pm
He was blinded by the “flash” but God gave him his sight to make the trip.
posted August 10, 2010 at 8:00 pm
Yes, Charlene, he is blind. (It’s okay to accept because it was just a movie.) But, yeah, he’s supposed to be blind all along the way, doing all those incredible things while you weren’t supposed to expect it. And it’s a good way to suggest he had God’s help and make you rent the movie again. Watch it a third time and look for the clues–like when he smells things others don’t.
Peace,
C~
posted August 23, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Charles — did you read the interview? Have you watched it a third time? He wasn’t blind. But the directors were genius in leaving in those “accidents” Denzel talked about… look at the amount of conversation resulting from it.
Luke 6:39
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posted September 8, 2010 at 8:25 pm
I personally dont think that he was blind. In my opinion he was blind before the “flash”, which would explain why he can read braille, but after god gave him his site and directed him to the bible in braille so he would be the only one who can read it to insure that the bible would get into the right hands. Being blind before would explain his hightened senses..like hearing and smelling things that others cannot. I dont know if this is the case..just an interpretation.
posted September 12, 2010 at 3:00 pm
The chracter Eli qoutes “We walk by faith,not by sight”Enough said!!!
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