It's never really been that easy bringing a Bible story to the big screen. Over the years, we have seen many the big screen adaptation of bible stories, but if the film can make it to the cinema without being painted as too pro-Christian or too anti-Christian, that is an achievement in itself. Bible stories are never just stories, even though the book itself is filled with great tales, they are weighted with beliefs, the doctrine by which thousands live their daily lives. One can never just make any kind of bible story.
This was what was so curious about Noah. Darren Aronofsky, he of Requiem for a Dream fame, first spoke about Noah way back in 2007 and claimed that he had a fascination with the biblical figure. Frankly, who wouldn't? The man built an ark and transported two of all the species on Earth during a flood, what's not to be interested in? However, unlike Gibson's adventure into bible films with the Passion of the Christ, Aronofsky is a self-proclaimed atheist. Why would he want to make a bible film? Then they added Russell Crowe to the mix. Let's just say, there weren't many who could believe that Aronofsky could pull this off but somehow, he actually does.
Most, if not everyone, is familiar with the story of Noah, the creator of the Ark who was told by God to save two of every animal on the planet and be damned with the rest of mankind. When the Ark was made, God sent rain that destroyed the Earth and all that lived on it as mankind were living in sin and not living by his laws. Noah and his family were chosen to save the Earth as they were the descendants of the good son from the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve's Seth.
Aronofsky does stick with this basic story for most of the film, even introducing the story of the Garden of the Eden and that snake that ruined mankind. Noah, played by Crowe, is introduced to us as a simple man with a simple life, never taking more than he needs from the Earth, maintaining his family's home and envoirnment. But then the visions begin and believing that his Lord has spoken to him, Noah begans to build an ark to house every species from the planet. However, not everything goes according to a plan, and with his family severely concerned about the end of civilization, Noah must choose between pleasing his maker or saving his family.
First off, yes, Noah is more than a little bonkers but that's if you choose not to believe the biblical story because that's just what this, a story, and let's face it, a damn good one. What's interesting is that Aronofsky tells this story like you would expect the Noah story to be told from the bible (new tree/rock people excluded), conversations with the sky and everything included. So yes, if you are not a believer this can all seem a bit insane but you can never say that it's not interesting.
The cast are all pretty impressive but they would be nothing without Crowe, he becomes Noah, you almost forget that this is an Australian actor on screen, he is that biblical figure you imagined. The dilemmas he goes through to always do what is right present his character in a somewhat tortured light and although those decisions can sometimes seem ridiculous, they are all carefully considered. Emma Watson is spectacular as the adopted Naameh.
In terms of the effects, the flood looks amazing, the screams of those dying as the family sit in the ark almost unbearable, and at the point where the rains begin, it is easy to understand why Aronofsky wanted to bring this to the big screen. That vision certainly paid off.
It's a lot to buy into, but it's certainly an interesting piece. It's just not perhaps what you were expecting from this kind of director.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAfJulXFYlc
