Movie spotlight
Noah and the Flood
In 1960 CBS commissioned renowned composer Igor Stravinsky to compose a new ballet composition, Noah and the Flood, that would be adapted for a TV special. The ballet told the story of Noah and the Flood with symbolic references to other biblical narratives. The choreography was directed by George Balanchine and the ballet was performed by the New York City Ballet. An addition to the performance the TV special also included an overview of Stravinsky’s career and an exposition of the biblical context. The performance was aired on CBS in 1962 with Breck shampoo as the sponsor, as part of the Breck Golden Showcase series.
Insights
Plot Summary
This film adaptation of Handel's oratorio "Noah" tells the story of Noah and his family as they build an ark to escape a divine flood. It visually interprets the biblical narrative, focusing on Noah's faith, the wickedness of humanity, and God's judgment.
Critical Reception
While Michael Powell's bold visual interpretation was noted, "Noah and the Flood" received mixed reviews. Some critics praised its ambition and visual scope, while others found it to be overly theatrical and lacking in dramatic depth. It is often considered an unconventional and somewhat niche work in Powell's filmography.
What Reviewers Say
Visually ambitious and operatic in scope.
Faithful to the source material but struggles with dramatic pacing.
A unique, if flawed, interpretation of a biblical epic.
Google audience: Audience reception is difficult to gauge due to limited available data, but historical reviews suggest a polarizing viewing experience, appreciated by some for its artistic vision and critiqued by others for its static narrative.
Fun Fact
The film was intended as a visual companion to a recording of Handel's oratorio, rather than a traditional narrative film, which contributed to its unique, theatrical style.
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