Noah Essay and Review
Noah: A Film for the Religious and Nonreligious
By Austin Lovelace
April 1, 2014
Noah is a film based on Noah and the ark, a story from Genesis, that was
released over the previous weekend. The film sparked controversy among believers
long before its release, however, for its inadequate adaption of the story in
the Bible. Allow me to tell you why Noah should not be deemed a bad film because
of its content. Yes, the film has started controversy among believers because it
does not accord to the story of Noah found in Genesis. However, an inadequate
adaption of a story, or even historical account, is not what makes a film bad.
Noah is rich with gorgeous cinematography, stunning visual effects, and a moving
performance by Russell Crowe as Noah—criteria that, if done well, make for a
great movie. The story, though an inadequate adaption, is well told and moving
from start to finish. In the end, perhaps a little controversy about a few
chapters from the Bible may not be a bad thing for believers—it sparks interest
in nonbelievers, and allows believers to spread scripture to those nonbelievers.
Noah is a masterpiece as far as cinematography and visual effects are concerned.
Director Darren Aronofsky uses longtime collaborative director of photography
Matthew Libatique. Principal photography mostly took place in Iceland—a
beautiful land for filming. The visual effects of the animals—birds, crawlers,
mammals, and snakes—inspire awe. The waters that flood the earth create a feel
of haunting beauty. Russell Crowe delivers an unforgettable performance as Noah
who is an obedient servant of God, as well as a loving father and husband. The
film follows Noah through times of peace, war, grace, and madness. No matter the
circumstances of the moment, Russell Crowe portrays a determined and obedient,
as well as loving, character.
The story of Noah is an adaption of the story of Noah and the ark in Genesis.
According to Rolling Stone, “Aronofsky and his Harvard roomie and writing
partner, Ari Handel – ‘two not very religious Jewish guys,’ says the director –
are hellbent on making their Noah relevant for believers and skeptics alike
(1).” The film follows Noah from his initial visions believed to derive from
God, through the task of building an ark, and concluding with the new world. We
see Noah in a different light in the film than in Genesis—in the film, he is the
last righteous man on earth, as in the Bible, but will do anything to carry out
the will of God—even killing himself and his family. Regardless of Biblical
accuracy, the story is well told through great acting and brilliant directing.
The film turns a few chapters into over two hours’ worth of material—there is no
possible way to adequately follow the story in Genesis. Take the television
series Bates Motel, for example: the show is based off of Psycho, a 1960 film by
Alfred Hitchcock; one of my favorite films. Bates Motel does not follow the same
storyline laid out by the film; instead, it gives a fresh, modern perspective of
the story, turning a two hour film into a television series of over twenty
episodes of an hour each. The television series follows Norman Bates as a young
man—the movie features Norman as a grown man after his mother died. Since the
movie never touches the story of Norman as a young man, this allows creativity
to bloom and create a new story. As a Hitchcock fan, one would expect me to
disapprove of the television series because of its inadequate adaption of a
classic film—instead, I love it, because it allows creativity and opens interest
in Psycho—a film that is over fifty years old is now talked about among a new
generation. In the same way, the Bible never tells us what Noah felt during the
times of building the ark and riding the flood—the film gives a bias perspective
of what Noah went through emotionally and mentally; it allows creativity. More
importantly, it opens interest of the story among those who may need to hear. I
know religious stories are testy to mess with and may leave anyone who tries to
alter them dead in the water (no pun intended), but according to Jim Daly,
president of Focus on the Family, “The film expresses biblical themes of good
and evil; sin and redemption; justice and mercy. It is a creative interpretation
of the scriptural account that allows us to imagine the deep struggles Noah may
have wrestled with as he answered God's call on his life.
“This cinematic vision of Noah's story gives Christians a great opportunity to
engage our culture with the biblical Noah, and to have conversations with
friends and family about matters of eternal significance (2)." The film, though
not designed for Christian audience, does not exclude a Christian audience,
either. The film may be enjoyed by believers and nonbelievers alike—believers
may enjoy the Biblical content, though secularized, as may enjoy the moving
performances and story. According to Plugged In, “Some Christians praise the
film for its themes of redemption and love winning out over malevolence; others
revile it for taking so many liberties with the Biblical account (3).”
Personally, I believe Christians should be excited about a film of such
magnitude telling a story found in scripture, and let the inadequacy give them
more excitement as they can share the true story of Noah and the ark. Darren
Aronofsky does not claim to be a Christian, and Christians should not expect
nonbelievers to act like believers.
In conclusion, Noah should not be deemed a bad film because it does not
adequately accord to the story in Genesis. Call it an inadequate adaption—not a
bad film. For the film has far too many great qualities—such as gorgeous
cinematography, stunning visual effects, and a moving performance by Russell
Crowe as Noah—to be deemed a bad film. The film is cinematic beauty. In the end,
perhaps a little controversy about a few chapters from the Bible may not be a
bad thing for believers—it sparks interest in nonbelievers, and allows believers
to spread scripture to those nonbelievers. All in all, Noah is a great film for
the religious and nonreligious—because everyone loves a great film.
Sources:
1. Travers, Peter. “Noah.” Rolling Stone.
Web. 27 March 2014
2. “Noah.” Plugged In. Web. 27
March 2014
3. Alter, Charlotte. “Religious Leaders Urge Flock to See
Noah.” TIME. Web. 24 March 2014
By Austin Lovelace
April 1, 2014
Noah is a film based on Noah and the ark, a story from Genesis, that was
released over the previous weekend. The film sparked controversy among believers
long before its release, however, for its inadequate adaption of the story in
the Bible. Allow me to tell you why Noah should not be deemed a bad film because
of its content. Yes, the film has started controversy among believers because it
does not accord to the story of Noah found in Genesis. However, an inadequate
adaption of a story, or even historical account, is not what makes a film bad.
Noah is rich with gorgeous cinematography, stunning visual effects, and a moving
performance by Russell Crowe as Noah—criteria that, if done well, make for a
great movie. The story, though an inadequate adaption, is well told and moving
from start to finish. In the end, perhaps a little controversy about a few
chapters from the Bible may not be a bad thing for believers—it sparks interest
in nonbelievers, and allows believers to spread scripture to those nonbelievers.
Noah is a masterpiece as far as cinematography and visual effects are concerned.
Director Darren Aronofsky uses longtime collaborative director of photography
Matthew Libatique. Principal photography mostly took place in Iceland—a
beautiful land for filming. The visual effects of the animals—birds, crawlers,
mammals, and snakes—inspire awe. The waters that flood the earth create a feel
of haunting beauty. Russell Crowe delivers an unforgettable performance as Noah
who is an obedient servant of God, as well as a loving father and husband. The
film follows Noah through times of peace, war, grace, and madness. No matter the
circumstances of the moment, Russell Crowe portrays a determined and obedient,
as well as loving, character.
The story of Noah is an adaption of the story of Noah and the ark in Genesis.
According to Rolling Stone, “Aronofsky and his Harvard roomie and writing
partner, Ari Handel – ‘two not very religious Jewish guys,’ says the director –
are hellbent on making their Noah relevant for believers and skeptics alike
(1).” The film follows Noah from his initial visions believed to derive from
God, through the task of building an ark, and concluding with the new world. We
see Noah in a different light in the film than in Genesis—in the film, he is the
last righteous man on earth, as in the Bible, but will do anything to carry out
the will of God—even killing himself and his family. Regardless of Biblical
accuracy, the story is well told through great acting and brilliant directing.
The film turns a few chapters into over two hours’ worth of material—there is no
possible way to adequately follow the story in Genesis. Take the television
series Bates Motel, for example: the show is based off of Psycho, a 1960 film by
Alfred Hitchcock; one of my favorite films. Bates Motel does not follow the same
storyline laid out by the film; instead, it gives a fresh, modern perspective of
the story, turning a two hour film into a television series of over twenty
episodes of an hour each. The television series follows Norman Bates as a young
man—the movie features Norman as a grown man after his mother died. Since the
movie never touches the story of Norman as a young man, this allows creativity
to bloom and create a new story. As a Hitchcock fan, one would expect me to
disapprove of the television series because of its inadequate adaption of a
classic film—instead, I love it, because it allows creativity and opens interest
in Psycho—a film that is over fifty years old is now talked about among a new
generation. In the same way, the Bible never tells us what Noah felt during the
times of building the ark and riding the flood—the film gives a bias perspective
of what Noah went through emotionally and mentally; it allows creativity. More
importantly, it opens interest of the story among those who may need to hear. I
know religious stories are testy to mess with and may leave anyone who tries to
alter them dead in the water (no pun intended), but according to Jim Daly,
president of Focus on the Family, “The film expresses biblical themes of good
and evil; sin and redemption; justice and mercy. It is a creative interpretation
of the scriptural account that allows us to imagine the deep struggles Noah may
have wrestled with as he answered God's call on his life.
“This cinematic vision of Noah's story gives Christians a great opportunity to
engage our culture with the biblical Noah, and to have conversations with
friends and family about matters of eternal significance (2)." The film, though
not designed for Christian audience, does not exclude a Christian audience,
either. The film may be enjoyed by believers and nonbelievers alike—believers
may enjoy the Biblical content, though secularized, as may enjoy the moving
performances and story. According to Plugged In, “Some Christians praise the
film for its themes of redemption and love winning out over malevolence; others
revile it for taking so many liberties with the Biblical account (3).”
Personally, I believe Christians should be excited about a film of such
magnitude telling a story found in scripture, and let the inadequacy give them
more excitement as they can share the true story of Noah and the ark. Darren
Aronofsky does not claim to be a Christian, and Christians should not expect
nonbelievers to act like believers.
In conclusion, Noah should not be deemed a bad film because it does not
adequately accord to the story in Genesis. Call it an inadequate adaption—not a
bad film. For the film has far too many great qualities—such as gorgeous
cinematography, stunning visual effects, and a moving performance by Russell
Crowe as Noah—to be deemed a bad film. The film is cinematic beauty. In the end,
perhaps a little controversy about a few chapters from the Bible may not be a
bad thing for believers—it sparks interest in nonbelievers, and allows believers
to spread scripture to those nonbelievers. All in all, Noah is a great film for
the religious and nonreligious—because everyone loves a great film.
Sources:
1. Travers, Peter. “Noah.” Rolling Stone.
Web. 27 March 2014
2. “Noah.” Plugged In. Web. 27
March 2014
3. Alter, Charlotte. “Religious Leaders Urge Flock to See
Noah.” TIME. Web. 24 March 2014
88%
Characters: 4/5
servant of God, as well as a loving father and husband. The film follows Noah
through times of peace, war, grace, and madness. No matter the circumstances of
the moment, Russell Crowe portrays a determined and obedient, as well as loving,
character. The rest of the characters, including Jennifer Connelly as Naameh,
Ray Winstone as Tubal-cain, Emma Watson as Ila, Douglas Booth as Shem, Logan
Lerman as Ham, and Anthony Hopkins as Methuselah lack character connection and
development.
Cinematography: 5/5
Noah is a masterpiece as far as cinematography and visual effects are concerned.
Director Darren Aronofsky uses longtime collaborative director of photography
Matthew Libatique. Principal photography mostly took place in Iceland—a
beautiful land for filming.
Design: 5/5
Burlap looks good on Russell Crowe as Noah—not to mention Crowe sported three
hairstyles in the film, ranging from long to shaven. The ark is brilliant—a
massive structure presented as large as imagined from Genesis. The opening and
closing credits are a splendid introduction and closing design to an overall
detailed film.
Directing: 4.5/5
Darren Aronofsky creates what could be one of his greatest films to date. This
film is unlike any of his past successes, which include Requiem for a Dream and
Black Swan. Noah allows Aronofsky to share his environmental warning while
forcing the audience to examine what they believe through a powerful story. All
aspects of the film are well put together and in place.
Editing: 5/5
The visual effects of the animals—birds, crawlers, mammals, and snakes—inspire
awe. The Watchers are intimidating but beautiful creatures. The waters that
flood the earth create a feel of haunting beauty. The time lapses, especially
those that tell a story—such as the creation of the universe, earth, and
evolution—are a stunning touch.
Screenplay: 3/5
The adaption of the story of Noah and the ark is an interesting idea. I am not
opposed to being creative with a story or historical account. The film expresses
themes of good and evil; struggle and redemption; justice and mercy. The film
gives a new and imaginary perspective of the deep struggles Noah may have
wrestled with as he performed and completed the task God asked of him. However,
I feel as though a large portion of the film could have been cut or shortened,
as some parts were dull and seemed to drag out.
- Lead 5/5
- Supporting 3/5
servant of God, as well as a loving father and husband. The film follows Noah
through times of peace, war, grace, and madness. No matter the circumstances of
the moment, Russell Crowe portrays a determined and obedient, as well as loving,
character. The rest of the characters, including Jennifer Connelly as Naameh,
Ray Winstone as Tubal-cain, Emma Watson as Ila, Douglas Booth as Shem, Logan
Lerman as Ham, and Anthony Hopkins as Methuselah lack character connection and
development.
Cinematography: 5/5
Noah is a masterpiece as far as cinematography and visual effects are concerned.
Director Darren Aronofsky uses longtime collaborative director of photography
Matthew Libatique. Principal photography mostly took place in Iceland—a
beautiful land for filming.
Design: 5/5
- Costume/ set 4.5/5
- Credits 5/5
Burlap looks good on Russell Crowe as Noah—not to mention Crowe sported three
hairstyles in the film, ranging from long to shaven. The ark is brilliant—a
massive structure presented as large as imagined from Genesis. The opening and
closing credits are a splendid introduction and closing design to an overall
detailed film.
Directing: 4.5/5
Darren Aronofsky creates what could be one of his greatest films to date. This
film is unlike any of his past successes, which include Requiem for a Dream and
Black Swan. Noah allows Aronofsky to share his environmental warning while
forcing the audience to examine what they believe through a powerful story. All
aspects of the film are well put together and in place.
Editing: 5/5
The visual effects of the animals—birds, crawlers, mammals, and snakes—inspire
awe. The Watchers are intimidating but beautiful creatures. The waters that
flood the earth create a feel of haunting beauty. The time lapses, especially
those that tell a story—such as the creation of the universe, earth, and
evolution—are a stunning touch.
Screenplay: 3/5
The adaption of the story of Noah and the ark is an interesting idea. I am not
opposed to being creative with a story or historical account. The film expresses
themes of good and evil; struggle and redemption; justice and mercy. The film
gives a new and imaginary perspective of the deep struggles Noah may have
wrestled with as he performed and completed the task God asked of him. However,
I feel as though a large portion of the film could have been cut or shortened,
as some parts were dull and seemed to drag out.