Emma Watson: 'Noah' an 'intimate and subtle' movie

MANILA, Philippines- Emma Watson said the film "Noah" is an "intimate and subtle" telling of the biblical story.

Watson plays the role of Ila, the adopted child of Noah (Russell Crowe) who saved her from a refugee camp.

“I think when most people think of Noah’s story they just think of the animals walking two-by-two,” she said describing the film. “But the story we tell is as much about what this family experiences — the interpersonal relationships between Noah, his wife and their children. So even though it’s an amazing epic with incredible scale, it is also intimate and subtle.”

She said the role Ila gave her an opportunity to gain depth as an actress. She said she had to study and think hard as to how Ila and Noah had that close relationship despite not being connected by blood.

“I thought a lot about what it means for a woman to be able to have a family, and I thought a lot about the life that made Ila the person she is – living in poverty and seeing some very dark things,” Watson said explaining her character.

“I think that makes Ila feel very close to Noah who saves her and brings her into his family, fueling her desire to have a family of her own. There’s a sense in the movie of generations, of family, of things passed down, which is very interesting.”

Despite the deeper interpretation of the biblical story, “Noah” still tackles faith, courage and hope.

“Noah” is directed by Darren Aronofsky and will open in Philippine cinemas starting June 11.