Subscribe
Share
Share
Embed
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.
Show Notes
"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
- Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon
- 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."
Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:
- Become a member for just $5/month or $55/year
- Join our Discord community of movie lovers
The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:
- Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements
- The Film Board
- Movies We Like
- The Next Reel Film Podcast
- Sitting in the Dark
Connect With Us:
- Main Site: Web
- Movie Platforms: Letterboxd | Flickchart
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | Pinterest
- Your Hosts: Andy | Pete
Shop & Stream:
- Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & more
- Watch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussed
- Originals: Source material from our episodes
- Special offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible
Creators and Guests
Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?
A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.