The opening scene of "The Book of Eli" effectively establishes mystery and intrigue. It introduces the main character Eli as he encounters a vulnerable-looking woman who turns out to be part of a bandit group. Eli then easily kills all the bandits in an impressive fight scene. Questions are raised about Eli's abilities, the book he carries, and the post-apocalyptic setting. Low-key lighting, a dead body, and Eli's solitary nature set an ominous tone and genre of action/horror film.