Authors: Chris P. / George
Genesis
A Universal Pictures Film
Directed by Tarsem Singh
Written by Ehren Kruger and Nico Soultanakis; Story by Tarsem Singh
Produced by Nico Soultanakis, Ryan Kavanaugh, Tarsem Singh
Music by Howard Shore
Cinematography by Claudio Miranda
Production Design by Tom Foden
Costume Design by Milena Canonero
Editing by Robert Duffy
Cast:
David Oyelowo as Adam
Anika Noni Rose as Eve
and Benecio del Toro as The Serpent
Tagline: "One sin can lead to the knowledge of all mankind".
Synopsis: It was always dark. There was never any time when it wasn’t dark. But slowly there was a brilliant, beautiful light that shone all around in the vastness of the shadows: the sun. It’s light showered over everything, illuminating planets, asteroids, the stars were shining, the bits of rocks floating in space suddenly took on form and meaning. There was one planet that was decided, above all others, to flourish and we descend on it with the bold light of the sun.
Water forms out of crashing landscapes, volcanoes erupt over the lands’ rivalries and fights with each other. With a tremendous wind, trees evolve out of dirt, water turns into oceans, and grass and animals all come out of the ground with vigor unforeseen. But even the sun must rest giving way to the forgiving moon, allowing all her creations time to rest. The night gives way to other animals and flora as well, with a perfect night sky defining their existence. The sun would come back though, having to make one final creation that would lead this new universe with an unprecedented sentience.
Adam wakes up in the woods. He looks around and then at himself, he moves one leg and arm at a time to become acquainted with the world around him. He tries to remember what he dreamt, a sensation of frenetic movement and light, but he can’t recall exactly what it was. His throat is parched and he moves toward the sound of water, which he relays as an image to his brain. He runs over admiring the wildlife around him.
Throughout the day he explores the nature around him, but at night he becomes too hungry to bear. Creating a weapon out of artifacts he had collected, he goes about the wilderness looking for something to eat and finds a deceased deer already in his den ready to be eaten. He looks up to the stars wondering how this would be possible and thanks the moon. But he looks around and sees no one else to experience this joy with him and returns to his den somewhat demoralized.
Eve wakes up outside of the den the next day gasping for air. She looks around and at herself to, wondering what she is and where she is. She looks at the weapons around her and sees Adam come out of his den. She looks at him and the necessary opposite he represents and smiles. Adam doesn’t know how to respond but after instant smiles back. Eve senses his concern and heartedly laughs. It rings throughout the valley, music to the nature around them. Adam can’t believe his ears but laughs as well. He then coughs and points to himself saying “Adam.” She smiles and points to herself “Eve”. Adam looks to the sky, and throws his hands up, his prayers answered.
They go around the wood together, marveling at all around them. They stumble onto two of the most majestic trees they have ever seen. All colors emanate from this spot, an overpowering feeling of awe and knowledge. Both kneel in front, the knowledge of the world entering their minds. Paradise. Eve goes to one tree to find the fruit, but Adam stops her before she can take any. He grunts out that it just doesn’t feel right, that the garden needs to be left as it is. But even after he talks he doesn’t let go of Eve and their eyes stay locked. As they move closer, their bodies become one.
The man sees this from beyond the tree, peeling his own apple and spitting out the seeds. He laughs darkly and looks at his apple with a harrowing smile. He quietly turns into the serpent, an animal not yet seen in the valley, and threatens his way toward the two lovers. His tail weaves through the tall grass.
Eve wakes up the next day by Adam and leaves quietly, gazing upon the valley with eyes still with wonder. However, she goes to the garden to see the trees once again. As she sits there gazing, the serpent comes to her and tells her sweetly about the beautiful fruit. Eve says she has never seen him before but says she doesn’t need to take the fruit. She has everything given to her. But the serpent pries away her resolve by asking her why she simply accepts what is there. Doesn’t she want anything more?
Adam wakes up but sees Eve has gone, he then can see clearly in his mind what is happening and hurries to the garden. Once there he sees Eve getting up and taking the fruit, he begs her not to but the serpent is already around her body telling her what to say. Even looks at Adam disdainfully, telling him that there should be no reason why she should only have what is given her. She deserves to know more, she deserves to know why she exists, why they can’t see more besides the valley. Adam tries to argue but the serpent hushes him with piercing words of doubt and stupidity. Even bites into the fruit…
A tremendous burst of light comes through the garden and the serpent cackles with laughter. He twists around Eve’s body and disappears into the wood, the colors and noise are deafening. Adam and Eve hold their ears and close their eyes, in deep pain. Then it stops. The trees lose their color, the wind stops blowing, the sun darkens. The two can’t even look at each other and for the first time, they cover themselves, embarrassed by their nakedness. Eve drops the apple, no molded and rotten. Adam closes his eyes and opens them trying to regain the sight of the garden that he once knew. Even falls to her knees and Adam bursts into tears. He looks up to the sky and throws his hands in the air crying for mercy, to regain the sight he once had. There is nothing, clouds have gathered, a storm is brewing. Eve crawls to Adam and both get up shaken. They leave the valley, and the garden has disappeared. They still smile at each other tentatively though, and Adam kisses her head. Even as they look at the world with diluted eyes, they have each other. They embrace with a love that will last forever. Genesis.
Press Section: Genesis, the new feature film from visual director, Tarsem Singh ("The Fall"), is one of the most controversial motion pictures of the year. Set against the backdrop of lush scenery, it explores the beginning of mankind and the consequences of corrupt purity.
Singh's imagery is particularly spellbinding. The way he decorates the scenes with dark tones illuminates radiant complexions, production designs, plus visual effects. He elevates the material to epic proportions. Holstered by a thought provoking screenplay, the story adds a complexity to the character's humanistic cores. For instance, the scene depicting Eve's decision to bite the forbidden fruit is sure to ignite an emotional range of receptions from audiences.
The casting of David Oyelowo and Anika Noni Rose as the lead characters seems a bit unconventional by mainstream Hollywood standards. In a less ambitious project, much younger, paler, actors would've been chosen in a romanticized depiction. However, Oyelowo and Rose are unforgettable facing the challenging task of competing with the public's notions of who Adam and Eve were. In a subtle but deeply powerful performance, Oyelowo demonstrates humility essential in presenting Adam's protectiveness over Eve. The final scene where he rushes to her side in the midst of a collapsing paradise is heartbreaking in its compassion and sincerity. Rose is sensational capturing the essence of Eve's feminine vulnerability and inner conflictions. The way her eyes transfix on Adam's in desperation as she realizes her sin, is emotionally gratifying. As the antagonist, Academy Award® winner Benicio del Toro is utter sinister genius. His charming allure yet immoral presence is authentic. Convincing Eve to defy authority, Toro is witty, logical, but completely evil leaving shivers down the audience's spines.
Overall, Genesis is that rare combination of artistry and strong story telling in cinema. It shouldn't be missed.
Awards Consideration
Best Picture
Best Director - Tarsem Singh
Best Actor - David Oyelowo
Best Actress - Anika Noni Rose
Best Supporting Actor - Benicio del Toro
Best Adapted Screenplay
And In All Technical Categories
Genesis
A Universal Pictures Film
Directed by Tarsem Singh
Written by Ehren Kruger and Nico Soultanakis; Story by Tarsem Singh
Produced by Nico Soultanakis, Ryan Kavanaugh, Tarsem Singh
Music by Howard Shore
Cinematography by Claudio Miranda
Production Design by Tom Foden
Costume Design by Milena Canonero
Editing by Robert Duffy
Cast:
David Oyelowo as Adam
Anika Noni Rose as Eve
and Benecio del Toro as The Serpent
Tagline: "One sin can lead to the knowledge of all mankind".
Synopsis: It was always dark. There was never any time when it wasn’t dark. But slowly there was a brilliant, beautiful light that shone all around in the vastness of the shadows: the sun. It’s light showered over everything, illuminating planets, asteroids, the stars were shining, the bits of rocks floating in space suddenly took on form and meaning. There was one planet that was decided, above all others, to flourish and we descend on it with the bold light of the sun.
Water forms out of crashing landscapes, volcanoes erupt over the lands’ rivalries and fights with each other. With a tremendous wind, trees evolve out of dirt, water turns into oceans, and grass and animals all come out of the ground with vigor unforeseen. But even the sun must rest giving way to the forgiving moon, allowing all her creations time to rest. The night gives way to other animals and flora as well, with a perfect night sky defining their existence. The sun would come back though, having to make one final creation that would lead this new universe with an unprecedented sentience.
Adam wakes up in the woods. He looks around and then at himself, he moves one leg and arm at a time to become acquainted with the world around him. He tries to remember what he dreamt, a sensation of frenetic movement and light, but he can’t recall exactly what it was. His throat is parched and he moves toward the sound of water, which he relays as an image to his brain. He runs over admiring the wildlife around him.
Throughout the day he explores the nature around him, but at night he becomes too hungry to bear. Creating a weapon out of artifacts he had collected, he goes about the wilderness looking for something to eat and finds a deceased deer already in his den ready to be eaten. He looks up to the stars wondering how this would be possible and thanks the moon. But he looks around and sees no one else to experience this joy with him and returns to his den somewhat demoralized.
Eve wakes up outside of the den the next day gasping for air. She looks around and at herself to, wondering what she is and where she is. She looks at the weapons around her and sees Adam come out of his den. She looks at him and the necessary opposite he represents and smiles. Adam doesn’t know how to respond but after instant smiles back. Eve senses his concern and heartedly laughs. It rings throughout the valley, music to the nature around them. Adam can’t believe his ears but laughs as well. He then coughs and points to himself saying “Adam.” She smiles and points to herself “Eve”. Adam looks to the sky, and throws his hands up, his prayers answered.
They go around the wood together, marveling at all around them. They stumble onto two of the most majestic trees they have ever seen. All colors emanate from this spot, an overpowering feeling of awe and knowledge. Both kneel in front, the knowledge of the world entering their minds. Paradise. Eve goes to one tree to find the fruit, but Adam stops her before she can take any. He grunts out that it just doesn’t feel right, that the garden needs to be left as it is. But even after he talks he doesn’t let go of Eve and their eyes stay locked. As they move closer, their bodies become one.
The man sees this from beyond the tree, peeling his own apple and spitting out the seeds. He laughs darkly and looks at his apple with a harrowing smile. He quietly turns into the serpent, an animal not yet seen in the valley, and threatens his way toward the two lovers. His tail weaves through the tall grass.
Eve wakes up the next day by Adam and leaves quietly, gazing upon the valley with eyes still with wonder. However, she goes to the garden to see the trees once again. As she sits there gazing, the serpent comes to her and tells her sweetly about the beautiful fruit. Eve says she has never seen him before but says she doesn’t need to take the fruit. She has everything given to her. But the serpent pries away her resolve by asking her why she simply accepts what is there. Doesn’t she want anything more?
Adam wakes up but sees Eve has gone, he then can see clearly in his mind what is happening and hurries to the garden. Once there he sees Eve getting up and taking the fruit, he begs her not to but the serpent is already around her body telling her what to say. Even looks at Adam disdainfully, telling him that there should be no reason why she should only have what is given her. She deserves to know more, she deserves to know why she exists, why they can’t see more besides the valley. Adam tries to argue but the serpent hushes him with piercing words of doubt and stupidity. Even bites into the fruit…
A tremendous burst of light comes through the garden and the serpent cackles with laughter. He twists around Eve’s body and disappears into the wood, the colors and noise are deafening. Adam and Eve hold their ears and close their eyes, in deep pain. Then it stops. The trees lose their color, the wind stops blowing, the sun darkens. The two can’t even look at each other and for the first time, they cover themselves, embarrassed by their nakedness. Eve drops the apple, no molded and rotten. Adam closes his eyes and opens them trying to regain the sight of the garden that he once knew. Even falls to her knees and Adam bursts into tears. He looks up to the sky and throws his hands in the air crying for mercy, to regain the sight he once had. There is nothing, clouds have gathered, a storm is brewing. Eve crawls to Adam and both get up shaken. They leave the valley, and the garden has disappeared. They still smile at each other tentatively though, and Adam kisses her head. Even as they look at the world with diluted eyes, they have each other. They embrace with a love that will last forever. Genesis.
Press Section: Genesis, the new feature film from visual director, Tarsem Singh ("The Fall"), is one of the most controversial motion pictures of the year. Set against the backdrop of lush scenery, it explores the beginning of mankind and the consequences of corrupt purity.
Singh's imagery is particularly spellbinding. The way he decorates the scenes with dark tones illuminates radiant complexions, production designs, plus visual effects. He elevates the material to epic proportions. Holstered by a thought provoking screenplay, the story adds a complexity to the character's humanistic cores. For instance, the scene depicting Eve's decision to bite the forbidden fruit is sure to ignite an emotional range of receptions from audiences.
The casting of David Oyelowo and Anika Noni Rose as the lead characters seems a bit unconventional by mainstream Hollywood standards. In a less ambitious project, much younger, paler, actors would've been chosen in a romanticized depiction. However, Oyelowo and Rose are unforgettable facing the challenging task of competing with the public's notions of who Adam and Eve were. In a subtle but deeply powerful performance, Oyelowo demonstrates humility essential in presenting Adam's protectiveness over Eve. The final scene where he rushes to her side in the midst of a collapsing paradise is heartbreaking in its compassion and sincerity. Rose is sensational capturing the essence of Eve's feminine vulnerability and inner conflictions. The way her eyes transfix on Adam's in desperation as she realizes her sin, is emotionally gratifying. As the antagonist, Academy Award® winner Benicio del Toro is utter sinister genius. His charming allure yet immoral presence is authentic. Convincing Eve to defy authority, Toro is witty, logical, but completely evil leaving shivers down the audience's spines.
Overall, Genesis is that rare combination of artistry and strong story telling in cinema. It shouldn't be missed.
Awards Consideration
Best Picture
Best Director - Tarsem Singh
Best Actor - David Oyelowo
Best Actress - Anika Noni Rose
Best Supporting Actor - Benicio del Toro
Best Adapted Screenplay
And In All Technical Categories