Darren Aronofsky’s "Noah" (2014) offers an inventive take on the familiar narrative from Judeo-Christian Scripture. As someone known for his artistic vision, Aronofsky delivers a visually impressive film; the production boasts high quality, with a strong cast and striking locations in Iceland, along with a palpable sense of reverence throughout. The story is generally engaging, though I personally felt it dragged som…

I feel some sort of responsibility to view and review films like this one. I’m genuinely pleased that movies are made from real events or myths, because it sparks people’s interest in them. As a historian—someone who has dedicated their life to navigating the intersection of history, geology, and Catholic faith—I can attest that these fields rarely align. They simply don't agree. I don’t really concern myse…

It struck me while watching Noah that it might have been created by people who don’t believe in God. It seems like they're treating scripture as a rough draft. However, co-writer and director Darren Aronofsky isn’t messing around with the traditional prohibitions, instead replacing “the Lord” with "the Creator." In the film, Noah (Russell Crowe) tells his wife Naamah (Jennifer Connelly) that “[the Creator] is goin…

This movie presents a challenge when it comes to forming an opinion about it. The positives are undeniable: the visuals of the flood, both from the sky and rising up from the ground, were truly impressive. The emotional toll on Noah throughout the flood and afterward is portrayed with sensitivity. A particularly striking moment occurs when Noah recognizes that he carries a burden similar to those around him. The n…

I want to state upfront that whether or not this film adheres perfectly to biblical accounts—and regardless of what religious fundamentalists have to say about its interpretations—is completely irrelevant to my assessment; it's simply not well-made. The initial portion of the movie wasn’t entirely unpleasant, and I even found some aspects enjoyable. The somber visuals occasionally created a striking beauty. I appr…