To be clear, I have no intention of seeing this movie which I view as an entirely silly concept. I do not know the point of this film but I really do not want to spend the time to find out (even if it would seem a bit of a challenge to remake a 600-year-old biblical guy into a buff action hero). Aronofsky has said that he is most concerned in bringing “nonbelievers” into the movie to watch the story of the biblical hero.
Egypt is moving to also ban the film to protect the faithful. The leading Sunni Muslim institute Al-Azhar declared that the film is “contrary to faith and to the fundamentals of the Islamic Sharia [law]” and insult the “feelings of the faithful.” Given the country’s blasphemy law, that view would potentially allow for criminal charges. By the way, the same fate awaits any film that “characterizes Allah’s prophets and messengers and the companions of the Prophet [Muhammad].” The key in enforcing orthodoxy is to deny any alternative view to be seen or heard.
The reaction of these religious, free-speech-hating fanatics almost makes me want to go out and buy a ticket. Almost.
Source: Hollywood Reporter