The first word-offering of this blog (The Defense of Film) will serve to defend Noah as not only a movie of Inception-esque epicness, but also as a very interesting take on what could have occurred in all of those blank spaces the Bible leaves out. Let me slow down, though. If you are still with me, let's just take a stroll as I first walk with you through various aspects of the film deemed "unbiblical" and, somehow, anti-Christian. Please don't think this is just a bash-fest, as I sincerely want everyone to see the film for what it is without casting ridiculous judgments. Anyway, after my tirade on numerous aspects of the film, I will provide solutions for those who still can't seem to acknowledge the film for what it is. Great! Now that the housework is complete, shall we begin?
This film is unbiblical and political!
Well, I suppose this is as great a place as any to start. Exactly what parts were "unbiblical"? You must all remember that the biblical story of Noah only takes up approximately 80-100 verses (depending on where you decide to stop). You do realize that a film based off of such a short amount of text will have to use creative licensing to fill-in-the-blanks, don't you? No? Still not convinced? Alright, then. Let's go through some of the more prominent "liberties" taken and break them down to see what is so absolutely "unbiblical."
- The Fallen Angels
I suppose getting this elephant out of the room as soon as possible would be for the best. First of all, when was the last time you (personally) saw and spoke with a fallen angel? How is it that you feel so comfortable stating emphatically that fallen angels were not present and/or that they wouldn't look like that?Consider, if you will, Genesis 6: 1-22. Notice the use of the word, 'Nephilim.' While you can find a more detailed discussion here, suffice it to say that the possibility of the presence of fallen angels was entirely likely.
Of course, in this case Aronofsky found an extremely thought-provoking way to represent them. As their punishment for disobeying God, they were encased in mud and lava when their pure light crashed into earth, eventually causing a natural (yet awkward) armor to form around them. At first they were angry at God and helped the sons of Cain for many years. At some point, they were turned upon and they fled from Cain. There is regret from "the Watchers" (as Aronofsky called them) for their disobedience, just as I am sure there are fallen angels who regret their decision. While helping Noah build the ark might be a stretch, please tell me exactly how Noah and his 3 sons managed to cut down, lift, and build with massive trees and logs.
Also, while I don't believe it, this part actually portrays a more merciful description of God; as "the Watchers" defend Noah and the flood arrives they are given a second chance upon their death. As the sons of Cain overwhelm the giants, the angels burst from their casing with glorious light- repelling the enemy as they emerge- to soar up to heaven and reunite with God. For some reason, many Christians have a problem when people are given retribution who "don't deserve it", but isn't the premise of grace that none of us deserve a second chance? Anyway, I could discuss these lovably awkward characters for a while, but I will move on.
- Liberal Environmental Agenda
Honestly, if there was much of a push for environmentalism, I don't see how this could be a negative message. The film depicts a barren wasteland that has been wrecked by humanity. More specifically, Noah says how the wickedness of men has destroyed what "the Creator" has done. There were only a few scenes that depicted specific areas that could be interpreted as environmental messages, such as grey earth, torn down trees, and what appears to be abandoned natural resource drills/facilities. Are there some symbols of things that we do that are hurting the environment? Sure, but is that a bad thing? Not at all. Noah sees this destruction of the world and he is saddened, realizing what God is asking him to do only seems right as he looks at the carnage that sin has caused.
- God wasn't Included
While this seems to be a major talking point, I honestly can't see what anyone is talking about. Noah consistently references "the Creator." Call me crazy, but I'm not quite sure who else he would be referring to. At this point, I'm almost positive that people are literally searching for every last possibility of a subject to bitch about. You know, there are those who would say the use of the word "God" is disrespectful because his name is so powerful that it shouldn't be fully spoken by us (thus the posts where people will refer to our "creator" as G-d). Basically, God is obviously included, so you can drop that talking point.
Another brief point I would like to make is of the descendants of Cain, of whom the leader was this film's main villain. A day or two before the flood, Noah decides to sneak into the camp that the wicked people had set up. I have heard many complaints about how scary or graphic this section was. Uh, Hello? That is what the whole point of the flood and this film were about! The people were violent, wicked and destructive. The most disturbing portion depicted a woman being dragged and pushed through some sort of cloth fence and traded for an animal- an animal who was then brutally murdered as the people consumed it (much to Noah's horror). The camera pans and zooms out to show a fiery, black sickness that encompasses the entire camp of those who were wicked. Noah runs and reaches the ark with a new determination to serve "The Creator."
Anyway, please do us a favor and stop painting the world such a disturbing picture of what Christians look like. Not all of us hated the film, and a good portion of us loved it. Bitching and moaning serves absolutely zero purpose and should be avoided, especially if you feel it is your "calling" to shine a light upon the world. I can assure you that negativity and other forms of hate or aggression are not sources of light, so you can stop. Please.
Sincerely,
The Defender of Film
- The Descendants of Cain
Another brief point I would like to make is of the descendants of Cain, of whom the leader was this film's main villain. A day or two before the flood, Noah decides to sneak into the camp that the wicked people had set up. I have heard many complaints about how scary or graphic this section was. Uh, Hello? That is what the whole point of the flood and this film were about! The people were violent, wicked and destructive. The most disturbing portion depicted a woman being dragged and pushed through some sort of cloth fence and traded for an animal- an animal who was then brutally murdered as the people consumed it (much to Noah's horror). The camera pans and zooms out to show a fiery, black sickness that encompasses the entire camp of those who were wicked. Noah runs and reaches the ark with a new determination to serve "The Creator."
- Noah
So, this is where some of the more poignant liberties were taken; however, it is not to the level that people are winging about. Some are calling Noah a "crazed, axe-wielding murderer." Well, he did defend his family from the wicked people who were trying to kill them, but here is where I take issue with this part of the discussion. People are so convinced that Noah was (perfect?) such a good man and that the film only portrayed him as evil. Let me be very clear, Noah's humanity is a part of what made this film great. It showed us that God can even use the least of us, or those of us who might have different issues. Honestly, did you really think Noah was a flat, no-personality character? Just because he was one of the only loyal people to God on Earth doesn't mean that he didn't have flaws. I think the best representation of this was when Noah was talking with his wife about he had seen evil and that how each of them had evil (or the propensity for evil) within them. This is when he thinks he realizes God's plan- to entirely eradicate humanity from His creation.
Another interesting point is that the Bible says that Noah was trying to convince others to get on the ark with him while the film showed him actively defending the ark from those who were wicked. This is the biggest change that might have been avoided, but it isn't a horrible representation. How many of us are guilty are misunderstanding or misinterpreting what God wants us to do? Others are saying that God "told" Noah exactly what his intentions were, but the Bible doesn't say that. I feel that the movie portrayed very well how God communicates with us: through dreams, feelings, or visions. As Noah thought that his purpose was to cleanse the Earth of humanity, he was following God to the best of his abilities (even if he was wrong.) Even right when we thought he was going to murder his recently-born granddaughters, we saw his humanity shine through and he told God that he couldn't do it. God responded by bringing the Ark onto the mountain, and Noah then realized that he had been wrong about what God wanted (something that many Christians are guilty of, mind you).
While I could honestly discuss many other facets of this cinematographic masterpiece (such as the appearance of Methuselah, the sons of Noah and their wives, etc), I just really needed to respond to so much of the negativity that this film has produced. So I am not guilty of leaving you without some sort of solution to the issues you are presenting through your complaints and such, let me provide you with some options about what you, as a Christian, can do.
What can you do?
- Consider seeing the film. There is nothing worse than a critic who complains about a film they have never seen. You might not like it (mainly because of your bad attitude), but at least you can critically analyze the film instead of laying a blanket statement such as "Unbiblical" or "Satanic" over a work that has beauty and faith, as this writer points out in his article about the film.
- Get over yourselves. Honestly, your complaining isn't that important to Hollywood or to other people who simply want to enjoy a new-take on an old tale. You must remember that to many people this story is fiction, and that by bitching about it left and right you are only inspiring others to see it because they thinks it's funny when Christians get irritated.
- Come to the realization that it is a movie. Hollywood has made numerous other films before that were based on the Bible that had their issues. For some reason, though, all of YOU have made it a point to complain about this film. Can you simply not stand the fact that an atheist made a film from the Bible?
- Take a moment and read this other blog post that discusses why films made specifically by Christian groups are usually so bad (Facing the Giants, Fireproof, etc.)
Now,
"The time has come," the Walrus said,
"To talk of many things:
Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--
Of cabbages--and kings--
And why the sea is boiling hot--
And whether pigs have wings." ~ Lewis Carroll
In other words, the time for discussion is here, and while I would love to hear your thoughts, ignorant comments really only serve to raise my blood-pressure and cause me to lose hope for humanity. If you should comment, keep it civil and support your answer. Stating, "Because...Jesus," or, "Because...God" does not count as "support.""To talk of many things:
Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--
Of cabbages--and kings--
And why the sea is boiling hot--
And whether pigs have wings." ~ Lewis Carroll
Anyway, please do us a favor and stop painting the world such a disturbing picture of what Christians look like. Not all of us hated the film, and a good portion of us loved it. Bitching and moaning serves absolutely zero purpose and should be avoided, especially if you feel it is your "calling" to shine a light upon the world. I can assure you that negativity and other forms of hate or aggression are not sources of light, so you can stop. Please.
Sincerely,
The Defender of Film
