I'm not religious. I was when I was young. My parents would take me to church every Sunday and sometimes in the middle of the week. It was when I got to high school I stopped going. I was a bit of a rebel, still am. But I've taken religious class and I know a little about many of the different religions of the world. I'm far from an expert but I get the gist. I won't shout my opinion on religion and God because that's not what I'm here for. I'm hear to tell you about one of my favorite directors, Darren Aronofsky biblical fantasy Noah.
Now with making a biblical fantasy epic for a major studio there are going to be issues. And Mr. Aronofsky isn't the type of director that you can just hone in. I was wary that him making such a huge film for such a big studio. He's the type of the director that would want final cut with his vision. And there were news reports that he had to cut it significantly and that he was in a fight with the studio. I would love to see a director's cut of this film because this theatrical cut thrilled me.
I wasn't sure what I was going to think after seeing it. But Aronofsky has created a fantasy driven film about a bible story that I can get right behind. The story comes directly from the King James Bible story which is about three pages long (I goggled it). It follows Noah, a family man who is tasked with the idea to help "The Creator" (they never say God in the film) reboot the world. He followed by his loving wife, three sons and their adopted daughter.
What follows is Aronofsky interpretation of the story which engrosses, engages the audiences and really makes you think about not just religion but life itself. The film is more about a man trying to protect his family in the midst of a life alter experience. Russell Crowe is killer as he always is. With this and Man of Steel I think the man is back as the talent actor many of us use to love. I can't see anyone taking this with the emotion he does. He has an evolution that would send any to the brink of madness with Crowe making you love/hate/feel for him. I don't think he'll be up for any awards but he should be.
Jennifer Connelly plays his wife and she's a great balance to Crowe's Noah. She loving, faithful to a point but will do anything for her family. I miss seeing her on screen. Ray Winstone is just vicious, making for a gritty "villain" of the film. He does elude a charisma that in the film would make you want to follow him into battle. Logan Lerman pulls of the angst rebellious teenager well. With Emma Watson sporting well against the heavy hitters of the film.
Because this is an Aronofsky film, it feels much different than most biblical epics. I am extremely pleased with the way he shows off this world. It feels very fantastical in the Lord of the Rings way. I like that because I'm a person who has read these stories and think of them in a more as fantasy. The visual are great, but at time might take many people out of the film if they can't suspend their disbelief or beliefs.
It's not going to please everyone. I know a certain religious sect that is up in arms about how they are portrayed. But for a fantasy film about a bible story, this film entertains from start to finish. Aronofsky proves he's one of the best directors working now. I would just enjoy seeing a director's cut to see is true vision and his thought process. See it just for the visual aspect but the story will engross with excellent performances from Crowe and Connelly.
