The trades got into it this week with Variety floating the boat that Noah star Russell Crowe‘s attempt to meet Pope Francis was spurned by the Vatican, while THR refuted that was ever real because of the feeling Crowe’s stardom would attract too much attention. So what’s the truth? Deadline has learned that Noah star Crowe, director Darren Aronofsky and Paramount executive Rob Moore did in fact get to meet Pope Francis today, after the Vatican extended an olive branch and hosted the trio in the official VIP section of this morning’s Udienza.
I think the studio was a little coy earlier in the week. This was something that Aronofsky wanted to do after he’d just made this Biblical epic. He was going to be near Rome promoting it, and has been moved by the Pope’s message of tolerance, feeding the poor and preserving the planet. But they didn’t want it to seem they were after some cheesy photo op to promote a Biblical movie. I’d heard those same rumors and called Monday, but I guess I’m glad I waited to see what would actually happen. Aronofsky was certainly moved by the experience.
“Pope Francis’ comments on stewardship and our responsibility to the natural world are inspirational and of the utmost importance.” Aronofsky said after. “When the opportunity to hear him speak in person on the anniversary of his first year in office I couldn’t miss the chance to listen and learn.”
Here are some of the photos they took of the experience from their vantage point. The film, financed by Paramount and New Regency, opens March 28.
“But they didn’t want it seem they were after some cheesy photo op to promote a Biblical movie.”
But they did anyway.
How true.
+1.
This is a huge, mega super huge fail on the part of Paramount. Rob Moore needs to held accountable for this slap in the face of Catholics. Paramount, the only fix for this insult is to fire him now!
Wait you want someone fired because you feel they insulted you? But I bet you probably think it’s ok to allow people to discriminate against and insult gay people without fear of being fired.
They said something and did another?! It seems to me they understand pretty much everything about Catholicism.
Go spew your anti-Catholic hatred somewhere else.
Epic riposte. And excellent song lyrics as well
Agree. This is a big fail and potentially insulting to Catholics. Paramount really screwed up to allow this to happen.
Do they realize that the audience for this film is evangelical christians…you know the ones that hate catholics and distrust the pope?
Should have kissed some mega church preacher’s ring instead.
This isn’t the 1950s. Pope John Paul II made tremendous gains in resetting the relationship between evangelicals and Catholics. With Pope John Paul, evangelicals realized that they had a reliable partner in several issues of concern, even though significant theological differences remained. Mel Gibson recognized this which is one reason his movie was so cleverly – and successfully – marketed; the divinity of Christ sells well to both Catholics and evangelicals.
A biblically faithful motion picture is going to comfortably sell itself to both Catholics and evangelicals. Aranofsky’s movie, by any measure, isn’t that. He won’t come even close to the success of Gibson.
“Biblically faithful motion picture?” The trailer looks like a mix of Braveheart and Tolkienesque Orcs attacking the “ark.”
Yes, which was why he said “Aranofsky’s movie, by any measure, isn’t that.” Please re-read his post and you will see he agrees.
The film will open worldwide and there are 1.5 billion catholics.
Hmm…yes, you should go talk to the Pope about what is a Jewish biblical story
Good plan
^Without Judiasm and The Torah, Christianity WOULD NOT EXIST.
Study some history, jack!
And that’s in the First Testament of the Christian Bible. What’s your point?
Old Testament, not First Testament, technically.
The audience for this film is ANYONE who wants a great story told. No simply Catholics or Evangelical Christians. Whether you believed this actually happened or not is irrelevant. It is a story of faith and hope.
Absolutely right! Mainstream audiences don’t mind watching fantasy or superhero movies yet they would stay away from Bible-based stories? Even though they fit the bill perfectly! Whether one is a believer or not doesn’t have any importance, if a story/film is good then it’s good, no matter what source material it comes from or what changes (artistic license) were made along the way.
I said it a year ago and continue to believe, this will be an epic failure. Like John Carter failure.
I’m sorry Chris. You will be one of the few NOT in line for this movie. This will be an epic success. Guaranteed.
“This was something that Aronofsky wanted to do after he’d just made this Biblical epic.”
Paramount showed incredibly bad judgement to allow this to happen. was this just to keep their filmmaker happy? As a Catholic, I find this attempt to cozy up to the Pope to promote their movie personally insulting.
Well, what did the Holy Father think? Did he find these penitents an amazing thrill ride of nonstop action, laugh-out-loud funny, or did he just want a refund on his ticket to THE FOUNTAIN?
It’s all about faith can’t wait to watch “NOAH “
Faith = fantasy. Enjoy your fictional tale.
SD, I’m sure you have a lot of faith in things that you don’t even realize. Are you preparing for your day at work tomorrow? Even without tangible proof? If so, join the rest of us “fantasizers.”
They made the wrong movie. Russell Crowe looks better as a fat Jesus. That is all.
headline should read “Jewish film director crucified by papal reception” no?
I’m Methodist but if I was in Italy and had a change to see the Pope, I would jump at it. There are always those who will critize whatever these people do – especially Russell. He is sooooooo talented!!!
Oh please. They didn’t get a private audience with the pope. The event was open to the public. More PR bullshit. No different than me seeing Clive Owen in the street then sending out a press release telling everyone Clive and I are fucking. This just goes to show once again how stupid Hollywood thinks Christians and the public in general are when, in reality, it shows you stupid Hollywood truly is.
Evangelicals vs Catholics. They’re called Protestants.
after all the things the catholic church has done , this is offensive to catholics?. color me atheist.
Yes, indeed. Would that be the same Catholic Church which is the largest charitable organization in the world? The Catholic Church which feeds more people, clothes more people, treats more sick people, teaches more students, and gives more aid to people than any other charity in the world? Is that the one you’re talking about? This is the 21st Century, not the Inquisition. Try stepping inside a church on a Sunday or actually speaking to someone who does before you condemn people categorically.
“Who’s the guy in the funny hat talking to Bubba?”
Pope Francis has proven to be embracing of all faiths and his general MO is to reach out to everyone regardless of gender or creed without judgment. So why is it that there are so many in his flock that are hyper-judgmental, closed and antagonistic to practically everything?
It’s funny because it’s true.
As Paul said (not the apostle)….let it be.
After reading these posts and many others on Aronofsky’s Noah,I am amazed at just how contentious and annoying human beings can be.Shouldn’t we humans be more tolerant and thoughtful and less hysterical?
Forget the religion aspect. It’s a biblical era adventure movie. Why does someone always have to play the religion card? Speaking of religion card, there are SOME PEOPLE we should speak to about the missing Malaysia Air flight… problem is they run that country… (sigh)
In the original language of the OT bible text there was no parting of the Red Sea. The Hebrew word is not sea, but rushes. It is a hard myth to kill.
Humm. Looks like some people have Noah mixed up with Moses.
r.
“In the original language of the OT bible text there was no parting of the Red Sea. The Hebrew word is not sea, but rushes. It is a hard myth to kill.”
Calm down …it’s a movie….loosely based on history….fictional history….no one today was around back then….a story is told then retold…and things added by the teller…..I can only imagine how many times the story changes…each and every time it is told………
Just saw the movie in Spanish, free of course since I wouldn;t pay for this sci-fi.
The title should never have been called Noah; rock men protect Noah as he builds his ark.
I won’t go into any more details but this was a total farce not to mention an affront to the Bible.
Aronofsky should have maned this a sci-fi with only a wiff of hint to it being parallel to Noah. This movie was a total sham.