To Dwell In Evil

Author(s): Tony
Location: Pittsburgh

"To Dwell in Evil"

Directed by Ridley Scott
Written by Ronald Harwood
Produced by Ross Grayson Bell
Music by Clint Mansell
Cinematography by Guillermo Navarro
Set Design by Peter Young
Make-Up by Greg Cannom

Main Cast

Ben Foster as Cain
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Abel
Maria Bello as Eve
Guy Pearce as Adam
Jena Malone as Cains Wife
Christopher Lee as The Voice of God

Tagline: "Blood is spilt and man will follow"

Synopsis: Follow the events and aftermath of the first murder ever to be committed. Shortly after Adam and Eves departure from the garden of Eden they had a son, and his name was Cain. To Adam and Eve, Cain was looked at to be the savior of the world and would restore them back to the garden of Eden. Not long after his birth came his younger brother, Abel. Years went by as the children grew older into young adults, and like most brothers the two had an on-going rivalry against one another. Both were farmers that attended to their own land and flocks. Cain was always jealous of his brother, the more likable Abel. Although no one could sense it, Cain was built up with rage and aggression due to his brothers winsome attitude. As dark clouds quietly cast over the hill tops, the Lord came down from the heavens in a swarm of dust, telling Cain and Abel that they both must sacrifice a lamb to forward the coming of his son Jesus. Cain looked at this opportunity as a way to impress God, proving he was the better son. Instead a lamb, Cain brought fruit to God, while Abel sacrificed his lamb on the alter. God did not approve of the gift as an irate Cain became more jealous and angry of his brother.

With eyes of fire that were once unlit but now alive in the coldest of the night, Cain had a confrontation with his brother. Although Cain made Abel to believe they were on even terms, his next action would taint all existence after him. The two would walk into the fields as Cain unleashed his piercing rage onto his brother. A poisoned glare looked down at Abel gasping for final breaths of air, the soil staining beneath him. A pale face and haggard grin with clenched fists stood motionless as he watched the birds of the sun seperate the dark clouds as he closed his brothers eyes. He walked away with a blank stare from the beautiful pain. Later that day a voice came from the sky as God questioned Cain of Abels whereabouts. Cains knees wobbled to the ground, admitting his sin with tears of guilt and a state of melancholy. His punishment would be a complete banishment from his home, as God ordered Cain to wander the land. Cains biggest fear was that he would be murdered for vengeance, as God placed a mark on Cain, letting the rest of existence know that whoever spills his blood would be punished sevenfold. Cain would also be ordered to give a proper burial for his brother. He went back to the field as deafening cries from the ground could be heard, the scream of his brother. With his wife, Cain left all he knew behind and went on his journey, he'd be tormented for his sin eternally.

What the Press would say:

The second "To Dwell in Evil" was over, I was dumbstruck. Perhaps it was the inspired acting, or the visually spectacular direction, maybe the physically gripping story, the powerful images, perhaps it was everything and more. It's a galvanizing experience that will stay in your conscience long after the credits roll. Director Ridley Scott gives us a stylistic, epic look at the infamous story of Cain and Abel. The story opens with Adam and Eve leaving the garden of Eden, the amazing design is enough to hook us in immediately. Minutes later we hear the beautiful cries of a new born baby as Cain lays in the arms of Eve, this sets up our journey, from the start of Cain and Abels rivalry to their last and final encounter. Scotts vision of the story is astonishing and very dark, rarely will you see a beam of sunlight grace the land, signaling that dark times remain ahead. In fact, the only glimpse of sunshine comes in the death scene after the murder has been committed. A painfully, yet mesmerizing image that will be forever remembered. The murder scene alone had Scott settle for a "Restricted" rating, not only due to its realistic brutality, but the mood that surrounds it. The deadly combination of Mansell, Navarro, Young, and Cannom make this scene the most memorable piece of the year.

Helping the crews cause is young and talented actor Ben Foster, cast to perfection as the vengeful Cain. Foster shows his wide range in his arsenal, his presense often denotes an inner fury yet he remains calm and collective. His expressions are ruthless, his style can't be duplicated. When you look in his eyes, you're looking at a caged monster. This is of course until the last half hour when he confronts his sin to God, Foster shows that range and becomes weary and "human", an effusive man pouring his soul onto the screen when he finally lets it sink in. On the other side of Foster is the charming, cunning, and tender Joseph Gordon-Levitt. You'd think the role of Abel would easily be overshadowed by the powerful presense of Cain, but what Levitt does is win our hearts over in this emotional and endearing role that makes it harder to endure his slow and painful death. A supporting nomination is in order for his take on Abel. And last but certainly not least is the infamous mother, Eve. Naturally the role of Eve would be looked at as an anti-protagonist role, but Bello carries so much on her talented shoulders. Her true love and affection towards her two sons are greatly realistic to a mother today. Her reactions towards losing both her sons on the same day are believable and heartbreaking. She shows enormous emotional/dramatic resources in this performance which will help her cause for a best supporting.

"To Dwell in Evil" is a risky subject, as most religious films are. However, this film should not scare away any irreligious, non-Christians out there. This is a film of importance, depth, beauty, betrayal, and compassion. The story of the first murder on Earth, and how billions have followed since then, it produced all the wrong doings and bloodshed that's been going on in the world for centuries. All of the pieces needed for the next epic motion picture fit well. A well crafted masterpiece that's one of the greatest cinematic achievements in decades.

FYC:

Best Picture - Ridley Scott, Ronald Harwood, and Ross Grayson Bell
Best Director - Ridley Scott
Best Original Screenplay - Ronald Harwood
Best Actor - Ben Foster
Best Supporting Actor - Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Best Supporting Actress - Maria Bello
Best Cinematography - Guillermo Navarro
Best Original Score - Clint Mansell
Best Art Direction/Set Decoration - Peter Young
Best Make-Up - Greg Cannom