Book of Eli
Title: The Book of Eli
Director: The Hughes Brothers
Genre: (Film) Action, Adventure, Drama, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic
How is the idea of Dystopia presented in the text?
In the Book of Eli, the world is in disarray. It has no government, leadership, poverty, hunger, weak townships, or none at all, and violence. The ideas of dystopia are presented through visual techniques in the film. The dull, barren scenery and settings, paired with the dodgy characters helps to portray an effect of dystopia. The idea is shown through the different characters, and the way they cope with the world that has fallen apart. This film strays away from the stereotypical, and clichéd future. Rather than the future being full of technology and order, it is full of poverty, and dystopia, which shows what could happen to the world if we carry on living this way.
‘The film opens in ash-filled woods. A corpse lies on the ground and a malnourished hairless cat climbs over in and begins nibbling at its feet. Nearby a figure in an NBC combat suit lies in wait. An arrow shoots the cat, killing it instantly. Eli walks over to the cat, pulls out the arrow and bags it for dinner.’
This beginning scene sets the feel of dystopia in the film. The lack of normality in this scene presents the idea to the audience that the film is dystopian, and the whole film will be this way. The dull colours, lighting and the fact that there is no other human activity around shows savageness and a different way of life.
What effects does Dystopian society have on the characters?
The society in this film seems to go crazy as everyone is on edge, changing and trying to stay alive. Being alive seems to be the number one priority of the characters. The main character, Eli, tries to save humankind by fighting his way across America to save a sacred book, which is portrayed as the Bible, and holds the key to saving all humans. The effect of dystopian society does not get to Eli, as he know his own morals,
Director: The Hughes Brothers
Genre: (Film) Action, Adventure, Drama, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic
How is the idea of Dystopia presented in the text?
In the Book of Eli, the world is in disarray. It has no government, leadership, poverty, hunger, weak townships, or none at all, and violence. The ideas of dystopia are presented through visual techniques in the film. The dull, barren scenery and settings, paired with the dodgy characters helps to portray an effect of dystopia. The idea is shown through the different characters, and the way they cope with the world that has fallen apart. This film strays away from the stereotypical, and clichéd future. Rather than the future being full of technology and order, it is full of poverty, and dystopia, which shows what could happen to the world if we carry on living this way.
‘The film opens in ash-filled woods. A corpse lies on the ground and a malnourished hairless cat climbs over in and begins nibbling at its feet. Nearby a figure in an NBC combat suit lies in wait. An arrow shoots the cat, killing it instantly. Eli walks over to the cat, pulls out the arrow and bags it for dinner.’
This beginning scene sets the feel of dystopia in the film. The lack of normality in this scene presents the idea to the audience that the film is dystopian, and the whole film will be this way. The dull colours, lighting and the fact that there is no other human activity around shows savageness and a different way of life.
What effects does Dystopian society have on the characters?
The society in this film seems to go crazy as everyone is on edge, changing and trying to stay alive. Being alive seems to be the number one priority of the characters. The main character, Eli, tries to save humankind by fighting his way across America to save a sacred book, which is portrayed as the Bible, and holds the key to saving all humans. The effect of dystopian society does not get to Eli, as he know his own morals,