Separate church and movies

Darren Aronofsky’s newest movie, “Noah,” is generating some unexpected controversy because it is more about saving the environment than it is about religion.

I heard somewhere Aronofsky said he was proud of the movie’s near-complete lack of religion. But in researching the movie’s production story I could find nothing that would back up that claim.

Still, I think it’s an interesting question.

If a movie is going to be about a biblical figure or if a movie is going to discuss metaphysical concepts, it does not necessarily have to name God. In an era where we’re so deepely divided, religious movies across the board have been highly polarizing. People either find them completely ludicrous or spiritually inspiring.

While many are up-in-arms about “Noah,” I don’t think the movie’s lack of religion is necessarily a bad thing.

I do think Aronofsky himself may have been a bit abrasive when he decided to leave God out of the movie’s primary themes.

Much like Roland Emmerich’s glee at destroying the Vatican in 2009’s “2012,” Aronofsky seemed a little too pleased with his decision. I don’t think making choices to spite a group of people is the best way to go about doing things. However, I think he might inadvertently introduce many to what he wanted to avoid.

Leaving God out of the movies allows people who would rather avoid religious subjects the chance to experience it without feeling like they are making a huge spiritual commitment.

In fact, it opens up interesting channels of debate and conversation.

Instead of ostracizing certain groups, it could potentially present a biblical story from an objective angle and allow many who feel like they couldn’t say anything to discuss the story from both a religious and secular perspective.

While “Noah” might not have been a box-office hit, I have high hopes for the trends this movie could potentially ignite. I’d be interested to see religious movies become secular again, like they were when Charlton Heston was around.

You rarely find someone watching “Passion of the Christ” on a relaxing night in. But they might just watch “Noah.”

ewenning@indiana.edu