Paramount adds disclaimer to Noah

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding Darren Aronofsky's Biblical epic, Noah. After test screenings a few months ago many religious groups were criticizing the film claiming it is inaccurate and offensive. Paramount even approached Aronofsky and challenged his choices on editing and writing but eventually caved in after he threatened to leave the project.

Now, Paramount has taken a step in an attempt to please all viewers by adding a disclaimer prior to the film. It states:

“The film is inspired by the story of Noah.
While artistic license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values, and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide.
The biblical story of Noah can be found in the book of Genesis.”

This move comes after the President and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters, Dr. Jerry A. Johnson, proposed the idea to add the disclaimer. The intent is to warn and inform audiences that Noah is a dramatization of the Biblical story and not a line by line portrayal of the written events. Paramount intends to add this disclaimer to all upcoming posters, trailers, tv spots, and media publications surrounding the film.

Noah, starring Russell Crowe in the title role, is one of a decent number of Biblical films being released this year. Son of God, produced by The Bible producer Roma Downey, was released today and we have Exodus arriving later this year. Noah is set for release on March 28th.

Paramount at odds with Darren Aronofsky

Darren Aronofsky's biblical epic, Noah, has hit a crossroads with Paramount Pictures. After disappointing test screenings of the film, Paramount is wanting to change the final cut of the film and Aronofsky is not too pro on the idea. He has enjoyed success, including Oscar attention, from films such as Black Swan, The Wrestler, and Requiem for a Dream. However, his independent style is clashing with a company that wants a blockbuster hit at the box office.

Noah had a budget of $130 million and managed to draw an impressive cast including Russell Crowe, Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Jennifer Connelly, and Anthony Hopkins. Given the subject matter, Paramount chose to do the test screenings with largely religious audiences including a screening in a largely Jewish area in New York, a mostly Christian audience in Arizona, and a control group in Orange County. All three areas reported concerns and troubling responses from the viewers and has prompted the studio to want to change the film. Darren Aronofsky has been unresponsive so far.

At this point there is no telling how this one will end or if Noah will make its planned release date on March 28, 2014.

Timur Bekmambetov to direct Ben-Hur reboot

Director Timur Bekmambetov (Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter) has been announced as the director for MGM's reboot of the Charlton Heston classic, Ben-Hur. The 1959 film won a total of 11 Oscars and is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.
Ben-Hur tells the story of a Jewish charioteer who crosses paths with Jesus Christ. Hur's family is accused and convicted of treason during the time of Christ. Hur fights to clear his name and is inspired by the rise of Jesus Christ. 

This will mark another addition to the current trend of Biblical epics. It joins Darren Aronofsky's Noah which is set for March 28, 2014 and Ridley Scott's Exodus which is set for December 12, 2014. It also joins the theatrical release of the hit television mini-series The Bible and the follow up, Son of God.

I personally don't think Bekmambetov is a good choice for a movie like this. His style is too... visual. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter was a disaster and Wanted wasn't all that great either. I would have chosen someone else, but that might just be me.