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Film Review: Noah
/ March 31, 2014
Rating: M
Release Date: March 27th, 2014
Oh Hollywood, nothing like a bit of controversy to make us see your movie.
With religious groups crying “Blasphemy!” and intrigue building around Rusty’s choice of loin cloth, how could we not be baited?
Sold as the ‘Biblical epic of a generation’ (by word of mouth as much as anything else), Noah is Director Darren Aronofsky’s take on one of most well known stories of the Christian faith.
Suffering in a society led by sin and a departure from the ‘Creator’s’ original intent for mankind, Noah is called on by his maker to protect “the innocent” (the animals), while He restores earth and eradicates mankind.
Now when you jump on board, yes you’ll seen an ark, reference to Biblical lineage – even a flood, but to say Noah is based on the Bible tale is a little misleading.
Cashing in on their creative license, the writers invent entire plot lines and characters that centre our need for redemption not on our absence of relationship with God, but rather on our failed stewardship of Earth and mishandling of Creation.
There’s an important message to be heard here, and many more about mercy, family, womanhood and justice, the only problem is they miss the one first intended, and potentially confuse the audience.
For all it’s strengths, this gives Noah one huge weakness.
No doubt if/when you see it you’ll find an endless array of coffee-convo fodder, Russell Crowe is right when he cites its unique way to make you question your spirituality, social repsonisbilty and stewardship, but one question you want to be sure to ask. is “How much of an influence should Noah have on my theology?”
If you can sidestep its Scriptural inaccuracies and accept that Christianity isn’t a Year 8 English text you can forgo for the version with popcorn, then Noah is a well-acted gritty epic, it’s just a shame they gave it the wrong name.
6/10
