A View of the Ark

I have to admit, when I first heard about Paramount's intention to reboot the whole "Noah" epic, I was a bit skeptical.  Not because I worried about them monkeying with scriptural accuracy (though that played a part) but because the story of Noah does not lend itself to the traditional Hollywood model.  How do you shove a square peg into a round hole without shaving off important Biblical truths?  Many have tried, all have failed.

About a year and a half ago, I received a call from Grace Hill Media, inviting me to the set of Noah... in Brooklyn, NY... ON THEIR DIME.  Sufficed to say, I graciously accepted and joined a small band of Christian media elite, including Phil Cooke, American Bible Society, Campus Crusades, and the Palau Assoc. (to name but a few). Paramount spared no expense in rolling out the red carpet for us.  We met with the Vice Chairman, Rob Moore, during a private dinner with the producers and made our way to the set on the following morning.  The film's director, Darren Aronofsky, took 30 minutes out of his busy day (they were filming a key shot) to answer all our questions and explain vital moments in his version of the story.  Ari Handel, the writer, spent the entire day with us, as did the producers.  Russell Crowe even made an appearance to shake a few hands and kiss a few babies (please don't tell Phil I called him a baby... he HATES that).  The day ended with a detailed tour of the set, led by Production Designer, Mark Friedberg.

I took several things away from this amazing field-trip:  First, Paramount was putting one HECK of a lot of dough into this production.  The set alone represented millions of dollars in investment, only to be broken down and tossed into the trash upon wrap.  Second, the attention to detail was remarkable.  Every facet was handled with great seriousness and care. This team wasn't fooling around. They angled for unquestionable authenticity in each minute detail and spared no cost doing so.  Third, and most impressive, they really, REALLY wanted us to like their film.  Let's be clear:  the Christian audience represents a decent number of ticket sales, but in no way threatens to make or break this film at the box office.  In reality, Hollywood doesn't need us.  That said, Paramount went above and beyond to gain our approval of their progress.  It wasn't lip service, they have actually implemented some key suggestions made by the Christian media world.

Since then, I've heard a whirlwind of rumors circulating through the faith-based community. Cries of "Heresy!" have rebounded through the hallowed halls of the Internet (Most of which were based on an early version of the script.  Amateur mistake.).  Amidst the calls for boycott, I had to ask myself a few questions:  1. "Why am I going to see this film?" Is it for accuracy and to be educated?  Or is it to be entertained?  "Noah" is a Hollywood Narrative, not a documentary.  So if I'm to spend $12 ($24 with a date) for educational purposes, I need to look elsewhere.  2. "What would the masses (my unchurched friends) be interested in seeing?"  History and the box-office have proven they will drop their $12 on the Hollywood Narrative every time.  3. "What's more important to me?  Biblical accuracy or potential evangelism?"  If the former ranks highest in my preferences, this probably isn't the film for me.  However, if the latter wins out, "Noah" presents an open door to talking with my unchurched friends about the true living Word of God.

All this lather aside, I had yet to see the film.

Last Wednesday, I received another call from Grace Hill Media... time to preview the final product.  I drove to the Paramount backlot, wandered into a massive theater filled to the brim with all of 12 people, and took a seat behind Hugh Hewitt and his family.  I held my breath as the lights dimmed.

Fortunately, skepticism quickly gave way to relief as the story unfolded.  Aronofsky and Handel managed to accomplish the seemingly impossible - an entertaining version of the Noah story.  Was creative license taken?  Absolutely.  Necessarily so.  Was it 100% Biblically accurate?  No.  If that's a deal breaker for you, I do NOT recommend this film.

A more important question, "Does this film maintain the core truths of the Biblical account? Does it succeed in upholding the important pillars of the Noah story?

Absolutely.

Noah is a fun, action-packed, Biblical epic that manages to champion the spirit of the Genesis tale, while ensuring mass appeal.  This film will undoubtedly introduce millions of souls to the scriptures who will likely never pick up a Bible on their own.  In my humble opinion, every theater should be filled with Christians, prepared to deliver the Gospel message to seekers in attendance.

Guy Noland
Executive Director
SAVN.tv

The good OLD Salvation Army

The SAVN team is currently in Lodi CA covering the local corps' Chef Training Program (a GREAT program, btw) for a feature story on our site.

After a long day of shooting, we headed to IHOP for a bite to eat.  Once seated, a lovely little old lady by the name of Barbara came over and introduced herself as our server.  To put it mildly, Barbara had spunk, going so far as to lecture our resident vegan on the importance of including protein in his daily diet.

She must have noticed we said grace prior to eating because she sauntered up behind me and asked, "So, what church are you guys with?"

"The Salvation Army," I replied over my shoulder.

She reeled back in shock.  "Really?"

"Yes."

"REALLY?!"

"Yes, Really."  I said, turning around.  "Why are you so surprised?"

"Because you all are so YOUNG!"

Hmm.  Telling.

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Go to kickstarter.savn.tv and help us raise funds to get 'er done!

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