As much as Noah is a character study, and a fascinating one at that, there is a good chunk of the film that plays out more like an all-out action epic, which will no doubt please moviegoers who are looking for a bit of blockbuster entertainment. In fact, one scene in particular almost has a bit of a Lord of the Rings vibe to it, with Darren letting loose and giving us an epic battle sequence. “Do you think it was unnecessary?” the director asked when we brought it up to him. The unanimous decision between those sitting at the table was that the scene worked well, but Darren still went on to explain his intentions behind it.
“It’s a Biblical epic, so there has to be a big setpiece for when the flood comes. We knew there was a great battle between man and the Watchers, and it had to be in there. But yes, there are tonal shifts. The opening sequence is a Mad Max wandering the planet type of thing. Then it’s a family drama. And then it’s a big Lord of the Rings epic, and then it’s a Shakespearean/dark thing. It’s strange, but I think audiences will be surprised.”
“Originally, the powers that be were thinking that the film should end after the flood. And in a way, it kind of does. But then suddenly you go into a whole other movie, and that’s unexpected and cool. But that part of the film isn’t being sold at all in the marketing. No one knows it’s coming. But that’s what the whole story sets up for. My favorite films of last year are Her and Gravity and just all these movies that you did not expect. I mean, I guess the question becomes, who is the film for?”
And that really is the question of the day, who is Noah for? Who’s going to enjoy it the most? The director has never played within the confines of just one genre, and his latest effort is no different, meaning that it might be tough for the film to find an audience.
“Look at all my stuff, it’s all genre-bending. I mean, what the fuck was that ballet movie? Is it a horror film? Fox Searchlight was like ‘ok, well ballet fans aren’t going to like it and horror fans aren’t going to like it.’ The Wrestler was….no one wanted to see Mickey Rourke in a movie, but it was also kind of a weird sports film with a dark ending. It was victorious because he kills himself at the end. And The Fountain…you guys are all familiar with that. I don’t really do genre films, but I like blending stuff.
Personally, I think that the film will pull in a profit. With the talent that’s attached and the buzz that’s surrounding it, I don’t think Paramount will have any trouble recouping their budget and then some. But as to where Noah will land critically, it’s tough to say. Not even Darren could answer where it will rank among his other efforts. “Come on man, I can’t do that. I can’t rank my own films,” said the director with a laugh. “Or, how about this, I’ll go Pi, Requiem, The Fountain, The Wrestler, Black Swan, Noah…..How’s that?”
However Noah ends up being received, there’s no denying that it is a powerful film, and one that will surely resonate with audiences in one way or another. As yet another dark, bleak and complex outing for the director though, it makes you wonder, will he ever try his hand at something a bit lighter? “Is there an Aronofsky comedy coming?” Alex asked at the end of our brunch. “Oh, of course. I’m dying for it. I’m a pretty funny guy, right?” said Darren as he laughed.
Believe it or not, he’s correct. Though you wouldn’t know it from seeing any of his films.
