When caught in a storm of biblical proportions, it pays to have Russell Crowe in your corner.
The “Gladiator” star is front and center in a visually dazzling first look at Darren Aronofsky’s “Noah.” The adaptation of the First Testament story adheres to the part about Noah constructing an ark to transport the world’s animal population to higher ground with some heavenly assistance, but heightens the action.
Also read: What’s the Deal?: Darren Aronofsky Built ‘Noah’ – Get Onboard, Paramount
The trailer shows Crowe facing off against some nasty looking warriors who seem hellbent on taking over the ark for themselves.
“I have men at my back and you stand alone and defy me,” Ray Winstone as Noah’s nemesis Tubal-cain, says at one point in the spot.
“I’m not alone, ” Crowe intones in response. Smack.
The film itself has been controversial, with reports of budget overruns and unease among members of various religious organizations bubbling up in advance of its release next spring, but the early footage seems both reverent and galvanizing.
The cast is all top shelf, featuring Jennifer Connelly, Logan Lerman, Anthony Hopkins and Emma Watson. Moreover, the flood looks pretty dazzling.
“Noah” debuts on March 27, 2014.