Everything is Illuminated - Revealing Everything You Can Imagine

Everything is Illuminated - it's a book, a movie, and a cultural sensation. The initial reaction to such a title brings mixed reactions; some wonder if it's serious, comical, or another genre. The answer is too complicated to put it lightly. The book itself was a New York Times bestseller, and the movie does it justice. For anybody who is a lover of whimsy, language, and history, the book is an amazing way to get introduced to Jonathon Safran Foer, who has since published critically acclaimed pieces of fiction.

In a nutshell, Everything is Illuminated follows two characters. One is an American Jew who is looking to piece together his past. He collects things along the way, and is a self-described "collector", as well as a writer. He travels to the Ukraine in order to meet a women, in the town of Trachimbrod.

In order to get there, however, he requests a translator and a guide of the country. He is received in the Ukraine by the man who will serve as both - Alex. We meet Alex earlier on in the story, and it's pretty obvious that he is the main source of entertainment. In fact, without the character of Alex, the whole idea behind Everything is Illuminated could not exist. His poor English demonstrates the cultural differences, and lightly pokes fun at the things American comics don't usually point out. Phrases like "premium" and "first-rate" are used slightly out of context, but it's what makes it so fun to read (and to watch).

On a more serious note, the story is incredibly beautiful. We are becoming more familiar with the story of the Holocaust as time wears on, but the true glimpses into what it was like during World War II are hard to come by. The various points of view beyond the ones presented in our textbooks become obsolete, and the characters presented in Foer's book give a perspective that makes one think, and more likely than not, cry. The imagery is truly rich, which makes for an emotional ride throughout the text. The author does an amazing job of making it true to like, but instilling the comedy we need throughout the serious moments. In both the screenplay and the original story, the high points remain the same. As Joyce Carol Oates put it, the novel is "A zestfully imagined novel of wonders...he will win your admiration, and he will break your heart".

One of the more curious aspects of the film itself is the lack of publicity. It starts Elijah Wood, who has recently succumbed to true Hollywood status by starring in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. However, since it was an "indie" film, movie-goers weren't immediately alerted about the gem we have come to know as Everything is Illuminated. It's slowly but surely becoming something of a cult favorite because it is so unique, and not to mention, hilarious. It is hard to watch this movie and live another day without quoting Alex, or get the song "Start Wearing Purple" out of your head, by Gogol Bordello.

In short - go see the movie. If you're feeling ambitious, read the book first. It will alter your life in a way you can't imagine, and teach you a few things along the way. The English language has been twisted and changed into a lovable, strange language of it's own, and it's sure to make a mark on your own vocabulary. Who knows, you may even find yourself naming your next dog Sammy Davis, Junior, Junior.