There have been countless articles written about this movie, dating back a year or more, most of them about the controversy surrounding the script. Since the biblical account, narrated in the Book of Genesis chapters six through nine, is short on detail, it left the writers a great deal of leeway in building the story.
The controversy over ‘Noah’ got to the point where Paramount Studios issued a disclaimer: “While artistic license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values, and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people.” Don’t buy it.
The writers took more than license. They created a character totally out of step with the biblical Noah. They then wrote an entirely new story without any substance or merit to the events that transpired, in hopes of broad audience appeal. (Based on early box office returns they may have been successful.)
Yes there was an ark, there were all the animals, and there was eventually a flood. The storyline leading up to the flood, however, leaves a lot to be desired. I should have known we were in trouble after seeing the movie’s poster with Noah holding a battle axe, to say nothing of his haircut!
I’m still debating which was worse: the script or the acting. Russell Crowe, who stars as Noah, turns in his second dismal performance in a row, (see: “Winter’s Tale”) mumbling his way through and eventually turning into a psychotic madman. The rest of the cast, including Jennifer Connelly, deliver average to below-average performances. Topping them all is Ray Winstone, who may have earned the worst performance of 2014 award in a major motion picture, playing the evil Tubal-cain.
Now to the script. Its’ interesting to note that God’s name is not used once in the entire movie. He is frequently referred to as “The Creator,” or just simply “He,” but His eternal name is not used. I’d love an explanation for that and there may be one floating around, but I haven’t found it yet.
In fairness to the actors, it was probably difficult to perform up to standards with a script as outlandish and poorly written as this one.
It you are still looking for a reason to see “Noah,” the special effects may give you license. They are something to behold. The scenes where the animals board the ark will be hard to forget, and I will credit the writers with one very clever twist, when they figured out how to eliminate the need for cleaning the bottom of the ark.
The construction of the ark and the special effects with the animals was the subject of a two page story in the Wall St. Journal, which I found more interesting than the movie itself.
In closing, I could not recall one uplifting moment despite God’s obvious involvement in the story, and that is a shame.
Noah
Entertainment Rating: **
Rating: P.G. 13; considerable amount of violence
Possible Oscar Nominations: Special Effects, Mathieu Baptista; Production Design, Mark Friedberg
