Review of The Da Vinci Code (2006) by Tiberio S — 20 Jun 2011

If only Catholicism was ACTUALLY this exciting. Based on Dan Brown's controvercial Best Seller, The Da Vinci Code may not be accurate, real, etc. But whatever you think about the book, director Ron Howard adapts it into a mystery thriller that works.

With a POWERFUL ALL STAR CAST, Tom Hanks stars as symbologist, Robert Langdon, who is wanted for a bizarre murder of a man in a Franch art gallery. (but from the get-go we know he's innocent) With the assistance of a cop and granddaughter of the deceased, Sophie Neveu, the two would discover that Sophie's murdered grandfather left secret messages as he was dying. Robert and Sophie go on a mission through history that threatens their very lives to discover the 2000 year old conspiracy involving Jesus Christ that could bring down Christianity. Well obviously it doesn't, and that's because The Da Vinci Code is mostly pure fiction. But a thriller is a thriller either way, and this movie is certainly a unique one. Like I said, this movie has such a big and impressive cast, it's hard to resist. Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Jean Reno, Alfred Molina, Paul Bettany, I love all these actors! And they all do a great job. Though the problem with this movie is that it's all talk and not enough personal moments. (but I have to say, Paul Bettany plays another creepy role, and he does it very well) For a movie about a topic as spiritual as religion, the story isn't really that awe-inspiring. The Da Vinci Code isn't a spiritual movie, but it could have connected a bit more on the spiritual side. The movie spends most of the time expaining "history" which draws away from good dramatic moments, but there are some good moments that makes this movie more than it appears. Or at least DEFINITELY not as bad as critics make it out to sound.

The movie should really be considered something on its own, because whether you liked the book or not, Ron Howard does a great job at adapting and making an entertaining and intriguing thriller. It is a long movie, and a lot of talk, but the pacing of the movie is very just. The novel comes to life through the wonderful cinematography. Lighting and camera positions are very unique, thrilling, and often misleading as the story unfolds before our eyes. The movie is all shot in Europe, so obviously, combined with the great cinematography, you're going to see some very pretty sights. Shots of religious architecture, cathedrals, statues and famous works of art fill this movie completely, and it looks good. And it always makes us think what the artest was thinking when he built, sculpted or painted that spacific piece of art. We are lead into a world full of hidden messages and intentions. And speaking of which, the feeling of conpiracy and danger is abundant in this movie, always making us wonder about certain characters and keeps us on our toes when something very bad is about to happen. A lot of that is thanks to Hanz Zimmer who composes yet another great piece of music.

Let's get down to business. There has been many an arguement and a lot of people who were outraged because of this story. For more than one reason. Some people felt it was an insult portraying the Catholic Church so criminal-like. (also keep note that the book was written by a man who isn't religious) Many people felt it was disrespectful to not only Christianity but history as well, that the novelist altered HIS "history" in the book to support his non-religious beliefs. And then there are some that just felt that the book was poorly written. It's kind of ironic that a book about discovering the hidden truth of history is so inaccurate about history. So... we know for sure that The Da Vinci Code is fiction. So.... what's the problem then? Ok, Dan Brown does say that everything he wrote was true and non-fiction, but really, who gives a flying fuck? It might not be a good story to get history on, but the book is unique. And I remember that day when the book was so popular that you would have been called crazy if you haven't read it. That says something about its appeal. But I don't want to just talk about the book, I'm reviewing the movie. This movie isn't bad either. I guess whether you like the story or not is your opinion, but I liked it because of its creative twist on history, its unique style on Catholic conspiracy, its a cool thriller, very well directed and with great actors. it has its flaws, but its still appealing and entertaining today for me as it ever was, so why should I let its complete lack of accuracy ruin it for me? I'm going to enjoy my fiction mystery/thriller with Audrey Tautou.

I implore you, don't let the facts ruin this movie for you. The Da Vinci Code is a creative story about facts vs. faith, personal responcibility, hidden intentions and lives, and whether or not the truth will truely change our lives as we know it. I felt that this movie was made wonderfully, so I give it a deserving rating.