Paramount has agreed to add a disclamier for the 'Noah' movie to help audiences better understand that the film is a dramatization of the major scriptural themes and not a line-by-line retelling of the Bible story.
All future marketing materials will now include an explanatory message: 'The film is inspired by the story of Noah. While artistic license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide. The biblical story of Noah can be found in the book of Genesis.'
Related: Hollywood Movie 'Noah' Strays from Bible, Disappoints Christians
The message was added after Jerry Johnson, president of The National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), contacted Paramount after a panel from his group watched the entire film in Nashville. They discussed the cinematic attributes of the film, including examples of adherence to and departures from the biblical text
"Because of the quality of the production and acting, viewers will enjoy watching main themes from the Noah story depicted in a powerful way on the big screen," stated Johnson in sharing his overall reaction to the film. "However, my intent in reaching out to Paramount with this request was to make sure everyone who sees this impactful film knows this is an imaginative interpretation of Scripture, and not literal."
"We are deeply appreciative of Dr. Johnson's efforts to bring this idea to us," said Paramount Picture's Vice Chairman, Rob Moore. "Our goal has been to take every measure we can to ensure moviegoers have the information they need before deciding to buy a ticket to see the film. We are very proud of Darren Aronofsky's Noah. We think audiences all over the world will enjoy this epic film."
Johnson said he was pleased with the response from the studios.
"Many people will go to this film and enjoy it," expressed Johnson, who holds a Ph.D. in Christian Ethics from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and has taught a Cinematic Theology course at the undergraduate level in college, as well as a course on the Theology of Movies and Visual Media at the graduate level in seminary. "Christians should be ready to engage with them about the main biblical themes that are portrayed in the film, namely sin, judgment, and salvation."
'Noah' is set for a March 28 release in the U.S., which stars Russell Crowe, Anthony Hopkins, Ray Winstone, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, Logan Lerman and Douglas Booth.
