There are a few that have stood the test of time with me such as King of Kings and Jesus of Nazareth, as well as Charlton Heston as Moses in the Ten Commandments. While it has grown in popularity, I didn't care for Mel Gibson's The Passion. I understood the intent of trying to show the crucifixion in all its violence and gore, but its not a film to be watched over and over. I have only viewed it once and don't plan on watching it again. The scenes of crucifixion in the above mentioned films get to me just as much in their non-violent portrayals.
(pic from Slashfilm.com)
I know of two upcoming films that are loosely based on stories from the Bible. I came across this article today which has Dwayne Johnson and Taylor Lautner playing the roles of David (Lautner) and Goliath (Johnson). The description fro the film doesn't sound all that great:
The story is set in motion when the fierce warrior Goliath is sent to track down a foretold king of the Israelites. A young shepherd David is thrust into an epic chase and adventure fighting for his own life, the lives of his loved ones and eventually the lives of his people. The story climaxes in a battle of literal Biblical proportions between the young man and the giant sent to destroy him.Uh, okay. I don't remember Goliath being a secret agent out to destroy David. The biblical story is that David shows up with some food for his brothers, sees the Israelite army frozen in fear due to the giant Goliath, and David asks for permission to take him on. And the story unfolds with them facing off and David slaying the giant with a stone and then cutting his head off. There was no cat and mouse game. Obviously, the film is a loose interpretation of the scriptures, and I am sure will be entertaining and fun, but isn't really the biblical story that I so dearly love.
The second film has been out there for a while now and is Darren Aronofsky's "Noah's Ark" which he has said he's been dreaming of making since he was 13. Aronofsky is an interesting director and one that I find intriguing. Black Swan was a fascinating thriller and his approach was so unique. I don't think we will officially understand his take on the story until we see it unfold, but I'm willing to bet that it won't be biblically based either. His plan is to make a graphic novel of the story first and then make the film.
Here's the description of the plot:
“It’s the end of the world and it’s the second most famous ship after the Titanic. So I’m not sure why any studio won’t want to make it,” said Aronofsky. “I think it’s really timely because it’s about environmental apocalypse which is the biggest theme, for me, right now for what’s going on on this planet. So I think it’s got these big, big themes that connect with us. Noah was the first environmentalist. He’s a really interesting character. Hopefully they’ll let me make it.”
Again, loosely based on the Bible. Noah is the first environmentalist? Um, no. The flood was an environmental apocalypse? Um, no. We know that the flood was the result of God's judgment on mankind, and Noah and his family were chosen because they were the only ones who found favor with God. And I'm willing to bet that Noah's Ark is the most famous ship, not the Titanic.
Aronofsky will make an epic film for sure, but I wonder how far off he will stray from the original story found in scripture? Well, let's let him speak for himself:
“"I don't think it's a very religious story,” Aronofsky said. “I think it's a great fable that's part of so many different religions and spiritual practices.” (Source)
Okay, so it is not going to be much of the biblical story at all. Not surprising.
Most likely, Christian Bale would be attached to the role of Noah. Bale has emerged as one of my favorite actors (besides his annoying fake voice when he dons the bat suit) and I think it would be an amazing choice for the film, but I'm worried about the direction it seems the film would take as far as the plot goes.
There are many more amazing stories that could be taken from scripture and made into epic films, but I imagine Hollywood would borrow only names and a few details and totally separate it from the God of the Bible.
I'm not saying I wouldn't enjoy the films, but I would like to see a Hollywood big budget film based on some of the most exciting stories ever told, and that they would stay true to the Bible and its relationship to God.
Your thoughts?
