No, I haven’t seen it yet. But I’ve read review after review after review, and reading these reviews has been quite an eye opener. The first reviews that came to my attention screamed that this was the most non-biblical, and even ridiculous, telling of a Bible story EVER.
“He’s an atheist! He has no interest in depicting the truth of the Bible!” they shouted.
“This movie never even mentions God!” they complained.
“It’s just a bunch of environmentalist propaganda!” they ridiculed.
“There are stone giants!” they scoffed.
In fact, these early reviews were so reactionary and out of balance that, for me, they set off warning bells, less about the movie than about the objectivity of the reviewers. So I decided to reserve judgement. I waited to hear something from a few of the people I’ve come to rely on for thoughtful analysis, people with a track record of both intellect, and integrity worthy of respect. And sure enough, one by one, the positive reviews began to pile up, from both Catholic and Protestant sources – and they were careful, lengthy, detailed critiques, that challenged and educated me. I’m thankful for that!
So here is a list of the reviews of Darren Aronofsky’s “Noah” from which I have learned the most — in the order in which I read them. I am looking forward to seeing this movie and discussing it with the family afterward, and I know these reviews will be a big part of the reason I am able to do so with greater understanding than I would otherwise have possessed.
The Gospel Coalition: Darren Aronofsky’s Noah
Steven Greydanus:
National Catholic Register: SDG Reviews Noah
Catholic World Report: Noah: A Theological Reflection
Frank Weathers: I Watched Noah, And Didn’t Lose My Faith
Converge Magazine: ‘NOAH’ RAISES PROFOUND QUESTIONS, DEMANDS DISCUSSION
Fr. Robert Barron: Noah: A Post-Modern Midrash
