Director Darren Aronofsky is known for his unique take on the psychological thriller subgenre, especially including disturbing elements and themes in his movies. As a result, most cinema lovers might have forgotten that the filmmaker forayed into blockbuster filmmaking with an Emma Watson starring movie.
Darren Aronofsky directed 2014’s Biblical epic Noah (Credit: Paramount Pictures).
Aronofsky helmed 2014’s Noah, loosely based on the Biblical episode centering on the titular figure along with the aspect of the apocalypse. However, the film proved to be controversial in some regions, including China, where it was denied a release. Here is what Aronofsky had to say about his underrated take on the Biblical epic.
Darren Aronofsky Explained His Take on the Biblical Story of Noah
Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky is best known for his work on the 2000 psychological drama Requiem for a Dream, which is widely considered one of the best movies in the genre. However, Aronofsky tackled the concept of a Biblical epic with 2014’s Noah, starring Russell Crowe in the titular role.
Darren Aronofsky was doubtful about his non-religious take on the story (Credit: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon | YouTube).
During an interview with The New Yorker, Aronofsky spoke about his work on the movie, highlighting how he approached the concept rooted in the Bible and religious themes.
It is the least Biblical, Biblical film, ever made.
Aronofsky made the above statement, adding that he was doubtful if the film’s existential take on the religious film would translate well on the big screen.
Furthermore, the filmmaker revealed that his doubts only subsided after the studio reassured him that the film wouldn’t be marketed with its religious audience in mind. Moreover, Aronofsky admitted that he himself wasn’t very religious, which added to his doubts about the movie.
Noah Was Denied a Release in China But Still Emerged as a Commerical Success
Despite Aronofsky’s doubts, the movie emerged as a commercial success, grossing roughly $359.2 million globally. However, the director’s doubts were substantiated to some extent by reactions to the movie from China, where it was barred from getting a theatrical release.
Noah faced a bn in several countries, including China (Credit: Paramount Pictures).
According to reports, the film was heavily marketed with the environmental message, special effects, and the lead cast’s star power at the forefront of its campaign. Despite this, the religious themes, which are at the core of the concept reportedly resulted in a ban from China.
Similarly, the film’s religious undertones reportedly also caused trouble in Arab countries such as Qatar, Kuwait, and some others where such subject materials can prove to be extremely divisive. However, Noah remains the highest-grossing film in the Oscar-nominated director‘s career so far.
Despite the efforts of Aronofsky and Paramount Pictures to position the movie away from the religious context, it lacked a release in several major regions. As a result, the film’s box-office collections were drastically affected even though reviews were generally positive. Nonetheless, the film was able to achieve commercial success given the limitations it faced.
Noah is streaming on Paramount+.
