“Noah” opened in theaters last weekend and topped the box office, with close to $44 million in ticket sales during its opening weekend.
This latest biblical epic is based on the book of Genesis, specifically about a man’s determination to fulfill God’s wishes by building an ark to house a variety of species and his family, while a great flood wipes the Earth clean. As to be expected, “Noah” has received varied criticism from moviegoers to philosophers to religion experts and everyone in between. I could write a short novel on all the complaints erupting from this film but, the bottom line is, it’s the kind of film you have to see for yourself.
Director Darren Aronofsky is the kind of director who likes to take chances. This is evident in his previous films like “Black Swan,” “The Wrestler,” and “Requiem for a Dream.” Whether or not you like his films, you have to admit he directs under the mantra ‘go big or go home!’
Go big is exactly what he did with “Noah.” Literally. As best he could, he had an ark built according to the biblical measurements. This kind of devotion to the film is what convinced Russell Crowe that he should jump on this risky ark with Aronofsky. Aronofsky and many of the stars of the film–Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connnelly and Emma Watson–have all done countless interviews on the controversy “Noah” has stirred up.
In an interview with Dailymail.co.uk, Watson, who plays Noah’s adopted daughter, says she was initially worried the film would be “cheesy,” but soon found that Aronofsky wanted to project a “post-apocalyptic world–not set in the past, but not set in the future, and not a sandal in site.” Within all the messages the film portrays, is a “discussion about our dialogue with the divine,” she added.
Aronofsky has been quoted many times saying “Noah” is not just about the man but a family drama. Despite one’s opinion on the biblical accuracy, the actors do portray a tight knit family beautifully and props must go to them for digging deep to create some extremely intense emotions. The films visuals are also pretty spectacular. Shot in Iceland, viewers see sweeping, serene, unharmed, barely inhabited landscapes that seem totally probable in biblical times.
The casting is great and each actor seemed completely dedicated to their character. Crowe brings his gritty, hard-as-nails, attitude we are familiar with from “Gladiator,” and Connelly counteracts that with her softer, gentler ways.
So if you’re wondering if you should go see “Noah,” I say yes. “Noah” is a film you have to see for yourself. Something I love about this film is it gets people talking. Whether you love it or hate it, you’ll find yourself thinking about it and discussing it for days. Aronofsky may not be thrilled with all the criticism he is receiving it but I’m sure he would take it as a compliment that his latest film is a definite water-cooler topic.
