If you want to see a movie that presents the biblical story of Noah in a manner that reminds you of the story you heard as a child, then this movie is not for you. All of the familiar components are there, but this movie takes some unexpected twist with the biblical narrative. With that said, I liked the movie.
This movie has the feel of The Lord of the Rings in that it tells a story about a world that is much different. But when we read the first words of Genesis 6 we understand that the world of Noah is different than the world in which we live. Don’t misunderstand me. I don’t think the “sons of God” were giant rock creatures. But this movie tells the biblical story with a mixture of sound theology and fantasy. And, the movie includes some current political concerns.
The world of Noah is dark and filled with human violence. Noah is a disturbed man. In one scene Noah visits a human city which is dark, violent, and chaotic. Humanity is beyond redemption. Noah sees himself and realizes that he is no different than all other humans. He becomes convinced that “the Creator” has called him to save the creatures of the earth. Herein lies one of the twists of the story. God’s intent is to destroy all of humanity; even Noah and his family will eventually die leaving the earth humanless. The purpose of the ark is to preserve animal life. The burden of Noah’s call pushes him over the edge. He becomes deeply troubled and obsessed. This obsession almost destroys Noah’s family.
In this world God, “the creator,” is silent. All humans know they have been created in “the creator’s” image, but God refuses to speak. Both Noah and his antagonist, Tubal-cain, look to the heavens and ask, “Why won’t you speak to me?” It appears that God is absent. Even so, there are moments of hope throughout the story. Even though God does not speak, God acts. Miracles abound. Humanity is saved.
One of the best moments is Noah’s telling of the creation story. Now, if you can’t accept that Genesis 1 is theology, not literal history, then you won’t care for this short segment. But I loved it. The digital animation that accompanies Noah’s narration is wonderful. Adam and Eve, created in the image of God and clothed in light (the Shekinah) made me rejoice. And it served to demonstrate how the fall of humanity was a descent into darkness.
I’ve read some of the negative reviews. I don’t share their perspective. This movie is not the “Babylonian chainsaw massacre,” as Glenn Beck has written. If you want to read a positive review click here. You probably would not show this movie in church, but it is a good movie to see and then have a good small group discussion about the biblical story.
POSTSCRIPT
It occurs to me that the reason so many Christians don’t like the movie Noah is because they are viewing it the same way they read the Bible – black (or red) letters on a white page. Further, the Bible is read in segments – verses, chapters, even phrases – that are disassociated from from the greater story. When read, or viewed, in this manner there is no place for the imagination. In understanding the Bible, it is imperative that one possess a theological imagination. Understanding the mystery of Holy Trinity, or the miracle of the Incarnation requires a theological imagination. Hoping for a New Heaven and New Earth requires a theological imagination. Viewing a movie like Noah is much like reflecting upon an icon. There is more there than colors and shapes. An icon lives in imagination, and reveals mysteries that are inexplicable. Pentecostals should be open to the theological imagination that embraces a mighty wind, tongues of fire, and glossolalia. Without theological imagination the words of Scripture are reduced to letter and law. With a theological imagination the words of Scripture are the “sword of the Spirit.” A theological imagination inspired CS Lewis’ Narnia series, Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, and even Shyamalan’s Signs. Maybe the reason some of us don’t like Aronofsky’s Noah is because we lack discernment?
One more observation… Like it or not Christians don’t own the Noah story. The story predates human writing, and was told orally for generations. The flood story is most likely the most ancient of human stories. There are many variations of the flood story told by many ancient civilizations. The Noah story is told in the Koran. There are many non-Christian interpretive traditions surrounding the Noah story; and many Christian interpretive traditions as well. With that said, I do believe that the Noah story in the Bible is the only inspired version. The challenge for many of us is that we have been immersed in a singular, even narrow, world view. We no longer live in a society that uncritically embraces the Christian story. If we are to engage this postmodern world with the gospel, it is likely that we, like Paul at Mars Hill, will have to employ narratives that are “other than” our own. Sure, its okay to be provoked; but it’s not okay to refuse to engage because our worldview has been challenged.
