Reel Facts & Opinions: Everything You Need to Know About EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS

One of the more interesting films of 2014 comes down off the cinematic mountain this weekend. Here is everything you need to know about EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS

What is this about? – EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS is a biblically inspired epic. It is an interpretation of the exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt by Moses as told in the Book of Exodus.

 

Who is directing? – GODS AND KINGS is directed by Sir Ridley Scott, whose impressive resume includes the Best Picture winner GLADIATOR (2000), along with ALIEN (1979), BLADE RUNNER (1982), BLACK HAWK DOWN (2001), KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (2005), and AMERICAN GANGSTER (2007). 

Who stars in this? – In this version of the classic biblical story, Moses is played by Oscar-winner Christian Bale (THE DARK KNIGHT), and Ramesses II is played by Joel Edgerton (WARRIOR). Also along for the ride are John Turturro, Aaron Paul, Ben Mendelsohn, Ben Kingsley, and Sigourney Weaver. 

Random stuff – GODS AND KINGS has several credited writers, with the biggest name being Steven Zaillian, who won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay in 1992 for Steven Spielberg’s SCHINDLER’S LIST. Zaillian was also nominated for AWAKENINGS (1990), and GANGS OF NEW YORK (2002) * This is the first collaboration between Oscar winners Christian Bale and Ben Kingsley * Bale has previously played another biblical figure; he played Jesus of Nazareth in the 1999 TV movie, MOTHER OF JESUS * This is Scott’s second biblical film after GLADIATOR * As explored by Reel Speak HERE, controversy has surrounded this film concerning the casting. 

What to expect? – Starting from the bottom and working our way up, having an Oscar-winning screenwriter in your corner certainly helps, and the cast looks very strong; you can always count on Bale and Edgerton to bring their best to the fight every time out. The story of the Exodus is grand in nature and demands some impressive visuals, something that Ridley Scott has always done well in his career. And although Scott has done well in the sword-and-sandal epic before (GLADIATOR, KINGDOM OF HEAVEN), his output over the past decade has been far from god-like. Recently his films have ranged from ho-hum (ROBIN HOOD), to stupid (PROMETHEUS) to outright disaster (THE COUNSELLOR). Hopefully the Good Ridley will show up this time, and bury the Bad Ridley out in the desert. 

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EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS arrives December 12^th.