Pope Francis Screens Noah Movie, Cancels Private Meeting with Russell Crowe, Director Aronofsky

By Lauren Leigh Noske

Pope Francis canceled a meeting with "Noah" director Darren Aronofsky, Paramount vice chair Rob Moore, and Russell Crowe for Wednesday morning, for fear that their arrival in Rome would cause a spectacle. Fox News reports that the Pope had previewed the Biblically-based movie, and that he had intended to give a private blessing to the project.

With much controversy over the creative license that director Darren Aronofsky took in the upcoming film "Noah," which is said to stray from the Biblical text, Paramount pictures is making some attempts to appeal to the Christian audience prior to the film's release later this month. Pope Francis was reportedly going to bless the movie this week in private, but warned that the Vatican would cancel the meeting if the media caught wind of it. Mail Online reports that the "Noah" team hoped that the occasion would be a good photo-opportunity right before the film's release as well.

Aronofsky and Crowe had reportedly already landed in Rome, Italy, when they heard that the meeting with the Pope was canceled. Crowe seems to be enjoying his time in Italy, however, tweeting pictures and asking fans for help with telling an Italian barista how to make a "flat white."

Though the film's director has been less cordial toward those who wish that the movie were in accord with the Bible, Paramount pictures plans to release a disclaimer to movie-goers that the film does not completely follow the Biblical account of the events in Genesis. Variety reports that the warning reads, "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."

The movie's roughly $125 million budget has undoubtedly resulted in a visually appealing film, laden with a star cast. Many Christians are grateful that the movie is making the story of Noah famous worldwide, and pray that the film will open doors for them to share their faith with those who do not yet know Christ.

"Noah" is scheduled to be released in theatres on March 28.

Noah Movie Official Trailer
Noah Movie Official Trailer

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