Aronofsky's “Noah” sparks controversy among Christian, Jewish audiencesOctober 17, 2013 - 16:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Darren Aronofsky's Noah has sparked controversy among test audiences, Digital Spy said. The upcoming biblical epic, which stars Russell Crowe as Noah and Emma Watson as his adopted daughter Ila, has been screened to "key groups" with an interest in the subject matter, including a largely Jewish audience in New York, a largely Christian audience in Arizona and a general screening in California. According to The Hollywood Reporter, all three screenings have generated "troubling reactions", prompting Paramount to request changes from Aronofsky. It is unclear whether Aronofsky has retained his right to final cut on the film, or whether this has been removed in light of the poor feedback, but the director is reportedly resistant to the changes suggested. Among the studio's reported concerns are the film's extensive use of visual effects, and the challenge of creating a third act that will not alienate Christian audiences. Paramount vice chairman Rob Moore said that the preview process is standard and that the studio had intentionally allowed for "a very long post-production period, which allowed for a lot of test screenings". Moore is also quoted as saying that Aronofsky wants "some level of independence" but "also wants a hit movie", concluding: "We're getting to a very good place, and we're getting there with Darren." Sir Anthony Hopkins, Jennifer Connelly, Douglas Booth, Logan Lerman and Ray Winstone are also among the cast of Noah, which will be released on March 28, 2014. Top stories The creative crew of the Public TV had chosen 13-year-old Malena as a participant of this year's contest. She called on others to also suspend their accounts over the companies’ failure to tackle hate speech. Penderecki was known for his film scores, including for William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist”, Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”. The festival made the news public on March 19, saying that “several options are considered in order to preserve its running” Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |