Noah Sails Into Controversy

Darren Aronofsky's Noah has sparked controversy among test audiences, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The upcoming biblical epic, which stars Russell Crowe as Noah and Emma Watson as his adopted daughter Ila, has been screened to "key groups" with an interest in the subject matter, including a largely Jewish audience in New York, a largely Christian audience in Arizona and a general screening in California.

But all three screenings have generated "troubling reactions", prompting Paramount to "request changes" from Aronofsky.


Just what it is about the movie that is proving to be controversial remains unclear at this time. Aronofsky, whose previous films The Wrestler and Black Swan were critical hits, is a big fan of creative and editing control in his films, though, so the news about requested re-edits won't sit well with him.

The publication reports that "It is unclear whether Aronofsky has retained his right to final cut on the film, or whether this has been removed in light of the poor feedback, but the director is reportedly resistant to the changes suggested. "

Among the studio's reported concerns are the film's extensive use of visual effects, and the challenge of creating a third act that will not alienate Christian audiences.

Paramount vice chairman Rob Moore seems untroubled, claiming that the preview process is "standard" and that the studio had intentionally allowed for "a very long post-production period, which allowed for a lot of test screenings".

Moore is also quoted as saying that Aronofsky wants "some level of independence" but "also wants a hit movie", concluding: "We're getting to a very good place, and we're getting there with Darren."

Also starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, Jennifer Connelly, Douglas Booth, Logan Lerman and Ray Winstone, Noah was due to be released on March 28, 2014. Whether the upcoming edits etc. will change that remains to be seen.