Darren Aronofsky’s 2014 film, Noah, sparked considerable debate upon its release. While some lauded its artistic vision, others criticized its deviations from the biblical narrative. A particularly striking element that ignited conversations was the portrayal of the Watchers – giant beings of rock who aid Noah in his divinely ordained mission. This aspect of the rock movie, as it’s become colloquially known by some for its memorable geological beings, often overshadows the deeper questions the film raises about faith, adaptation, and the enduring power of ancient stories. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of these stone giants and explore how they enrich the narrative of Noah.
Biblical Accuracy and Adaptation in Film
When adapting a text as revered and scrutinized as the Bible, filmmakers inevitably face a tightrope walk between fidelity and creative interpretation. Noah is no exception. It’s crucial to understand that film, as a medium, demands adaptation. A literal, scene-for-scene translation of Genesis 6-9 would be dramatically inert and fail to resonate with a contemporary audience. As with any adaptation, certain liberties must be taken to translate the essence of the story onto the screen.
Consider the very casting of Noah. The Bible states Noah was 600 years old at the time of the flood. Casting an actor of such age is, practically speaking, impossible. Russell Crowe, in his late forties during filming, embodies the character’s gravitas and determination, even if chronologically divergent. Similarly, the film is in English, a language millennia removed from the original Hebrew. These are accepted adaptations necessary for cinematic storytelling. The real point of contention often lies in deviations that appear more deliberate.
The Enigmatic Watchers: “Rock Monsters” or Biblical Beings?
One of the most visually arresting and debated elements of the rock movie is the introduction of the Watchers. These towering figures, composed of stone and earth, emerge as allies to Noah, assisting him in the monumental task of building the Ark. For many viewers, these “rock monsters” seemed entirely fabricated, a fantastical invention divorced from the biblical text. However, the inclusion of the Watchers reveals a deeper engagement with ancient traditions than a superficial viewing might suggest.
The film’s depiction of the Watchers as fallen angels is rooted in interpretations of Genesis 6, which mentions the Nephilim. While the Bible offers limited detail about these beings, the film draws upon extra-biblical texts, notably the Book of Enoch. The Book of Daniel also refers to “Watchers” as angelic figures. These texts, while not canonical in mainstream Christian Bibles, were part of ancient Jewish and early Christian traditions and provide a richer, more complex picture of the pre-flood world.
The filmmakers’ choice to call them Watchers, instead of Nephilim, aligns with biblical language found in Daniel and resonates with Jewish apocalyptic literature where Watchers are prominent. While Aronofsky later expressed a preference for the term Nephilim, the designation “Watchers” itself is biblically grounded. Diving into texts like 1 Enoch reveals that these Watchers are depicted as interceding for humanity, sharing divine secrets, and imparting knowledge – roles mirrored in the film where they guide and protect Noah. Therefore, the Watchers are not simply whimsical additions, but characters drawn from a well of ancient lore surrounding the Noah story.
The Watchers’ Fall: Sympathy vs. Rebellion
The movie presents a specific backstory for the Watchers’ descent to Earth. They are portrayed as angels who, moved by compassion for humanity after Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Eden, attempted to help them. This act of empathy is interpreted as disobedience by God, leading to their fallen state and transformation into earth-bound, rock-like beings. This narrative point often raises questions about the film’s theological implications.
This depiction differs from other interpretations where angels fall due to lust for human women, as described in some readings of Genesis 6 and elaborated upon in some extra-biblical traditions. The film’s deviation here is not arbitrary. Instead, it serves a thematic purpose, exploring complex questions about divine justice, mercy, and the relationship between God and humanity.
The idea of intermediaries pleading on humanity’s behalf is not entirely foreign to biblical narratives. Abraham intercedes for Sodom and Gomorrah, and Moses argues with God for the Israelites. In Noah, the Watchers take on this intercessory role, albeit with different consequences. Their initial fall, in the film’s narrative, stems from a perceived premature intervention. However, by the time of the flood, a sense of shared purpose emerges between the Watchers, humanity (represented by Noah’s righteous lineage), and the divine plan. This suggests a nuanced theological perspective where redemption and reconciliation are central themes, even for fallen beings.
Visualizing the Divine: Why Rock Giants?
The visual representation of the Watchers as rock giants is a striking cinematic choice. Filmmakers could have opted for more traditional angelic imagery – wings, halos, ethereal forms. However, the decision to portray them as beings of stone carries symbolic weight, enhancing the film’s thematic depth.
One interpretation, echoing a rabbi’s insightful comment on the film, sees the rock form as a “material shell” encasing their original essence as “beams of light.” This physicality becomes a form of imprisonment, a consequence of their earthly transgression. They are beings meant for the celestial realm, now weighed down by a terrestrial existence. This resonates with the idea of fallen angels being cast down to Earth, separated from divine light and beauty.
This visual metaphor effectively communicates the Watchers’ altered state. They are powerful, resilient, and ultimately benevolent, but also burdened and longing for redemption. Just as Nicolas Cage’s angel in City of Angels experiences the limitations of physicality, the Watchers in Noah are bound by their rock-like forms, a constant reminder of their choices and their separation from the divine. This artistic choice, while diverging from traditional angel depictions, provides a potent visual Midrash – a cinematic interpretation that enriches the biblical narrative with layers of meaning and symbolism.
Conclusion
Noah, often referred to as the rock movie due to its memorable Watchers, is more than just a simple retelling of a Bible story. It is a thoughtful adaptation that engages with ancient texts and traditions, offering a unique cinematic interpretation. The “rock monsters” are not arbitrary additions, but rather integral characters drawn from extra-biblical sources, visually realized to enhance the film’s themes of fall, redemption, and the complex relationship between the divine and humanity. By understanding the context and symbolism behind these stone giants, viewers can appreciate the depth and artistry Aronofsky brought to this enduring story.
References
- Wilkinson, Alissa. “Noah.” Christianity Today. March 27, 2014. URL: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2014/march-web-only/noah.html?paging=off
- Daniel 4:10 (Jewish Publication Society).
- Daniel 4:14 (Jewish Publication Society).
- Berlin, Adele and Brettler, Marc Zvi (Editors). The Jewish Study Bible. Oxford University Press: 2004.
- Chattaway, Peter T. Filmchat with Peter Chattaway. “The Jewish roots of – and responses to – Noah. March 31, 3014. URL: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/filmchat/2014/03/the-jewish-roots-of-and-responses-to-noah.html
- Hoffman, Jordan. “Hollywood ‘Noah’ is kosher, says celebrity rabbi (interview with Shmuley Boteach).” The Times of Israel. www.timesofisrael.com.
