Russell Crowe's Most Ambitious Work After Gladiator, Noah, Went Viral on the Free Platform
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Directed by Darren Aronofsky, Noah is one of the most ambitious projects from Aronofsky, who became one of the most prestigious directors in the film world after Black Swan. Starring Russell Crowe, this biblical epic has become a production that Hollywood has long avoided making, and it continues to be a topic of discussion since its release. Recently, the film has reached a new wave of viewers by topping the viewing charts on the free streaming platform Pluto TV.
After the worldwide success of Black Swan in 2010, Aronofsky earned the right to pursue projects of his choosing in Hollywood. Using this prestige, he produced Noah, which has a budget of $160 million and has grossed approximately $360 million worldwide. In the same year, Ridley Scott's Exodus: Gods and Kings, despite having a similar budget, was met with negative responses from both critics and audiences, earning only $268 million at the box office.
In addition to Russell Crowe, the production of Noah featured notable actors such as Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, Douglas Booth, and Logan Lerman. The film has been banned in many countries worldwide, particularly due to its religious themes. Although it received a 75% "Certified Fresh" rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, audience observations have lowered its score to 41%.
Despite the film's controversial nature, its recent rise to become one of the most-watched films on Pluto TV has been an interesting comeback. After more than a decade, Noah has once again captured the audience's interest, gaining significant visibility on digital platforms. This situation indicates that there is a specific audience for ambitious productions with biblical themes.
Following Noah, Aronofsky took a different direction in his career by directing the smaller-scale film Mother!, which is also inspired by biblical stories. His works are followed by audiences who embrace a dualistic and thought-provoking approach in cinematic art.