Russell Crowe Defends ‘Noah’ From ‘Irrational Criticism’

Russell Crowe thinks that the criticisms on his new biblical film “Noah” are “irrational.” The New Zealand actor defended the Darren Aronofsky film, saying that he is glad that it is now getting the due that it deserves.

“Noah,” produced, written, and directed by Aronofsky, has been banned in several Islamic countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Indonesia, where it is considered taboo to depict a prophet.

There are also other religious groups that claimed “Noah” is inaccurate and disrespectful to the events that are written in the bible, prompting Paramount Pictures to add a disclaimer that says they have taken “artistic license” in telling the epic story.

Nevertheless, the film received generally positive critical reviews, which please Crowe, who plays the titular character.

“We have endured 12 to 14 months of irrational criticism and now people are starting to see it and to realise how respectful it is, and how true to the source material it is and how intense of an experience it is in the movie theatre, you know, so that’s cool,” the 49-year-old actor told the Associated Press on Wednesday at the New York Premiere of the film.

Emma Watson, who co-stars with Crowe, wasn’t too surprised at the backlash that they have received.

“To be honest, I expected there to be controversy, I think all Biblical adaptations carry the weight of that because it is something that is so personal to people,” she explained.

“Everyone interprets it differently, but so far, the response has been really positive, and I think the film, when people see it, (they_ will realise that it is very sensitive and inclusive... I’m really proud of the movie.”

Emma plays Ila, the wife of Noah’s son, Shem (Douglas Booth). Jennifer Connelly also co-stars, playing the role of Naameh, Noah’s wife. Ray Winston, Logan Lerman, Nick Nolte, and Anthony Hopkins lead the cast as well.

“Noah” is released Friday in the U.S.