The Da Vinci Code Review...

Go ahead, believe whatever you want.

That seems to be the theme of the movie version of The Da Vinci Code, which opened worldwide May 19. Though the book hinted at this sentiment, the movie brings it sharply into focus.

The Da Vinci Code, based on the mega best-seller by Dan Brown, stars Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon, a Harvard symbologist called upon by the “French FBI” to decode a mysterious murder scene. Langdon’s findings lead to a modern-day quest for the Holy Grail. Helping Langdon are Sophie Neveu, a French cryptologist, and Leigh Teabing, a British Grail enthusiast. Audrey Tautou and Ian McKellan star in these respective roles.

At this point, it is unlikely anyone will enter this film without some preconceived notions. Either they will have read the book, they will have heard about the book, or they will have read or heard about the tepid reviews already submitted by the global press. I certainly went in with my own presuppositions. I assumed the book would capture the excitement of the chase while honoring the informative nature of the conversations among characters. I assumed, mostly because of Ron Howard and Tom Hanks’ involvement, that it would be well made, tasteful, interesting, and satisfying. Unfortunately, I was disappointed.

When The Da Vinci Code, the novel, came out, I had a friend say it was the greatest action novel ever where nothing really happened. It seems the makers of the film version agreed with my friend. The dizzying camera movement, quick cuts between characters in conversation, and overpowering, overly dramatic music seem to be attempts to convince the viewer that there is, indeed, something going on. In actuality, the book was more historical fiction and exposition than action. For the movie, those characteristics are abandoned in favor of CGI effects and cheap cinematic trickery.

The absolute lack of subtlety within the story was another disappointment. Not only does the camera point like an eager child to the things that will be important later, but the revelations of the plot have been dumbed down to a comedic level. I had the privelege of attending the world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this week. When perhaps the most important line of the film was delivered, the crowd audibly snickered. Not because it was a humorous line, but because the information contained within was so obvious, stating it seemed a bit overt.

Though the film as a whole was a let down , there were two very bright spots. First, Paul Bettany, in the role of Silas the monk, handles what could be a difficult role with aplomb and grace. His performance is believable and sympathetic. Second, Ian McKellan as Leigh Teabing is delightful. Written in the book as an American’s Englishman, Teabing could have come off as campy and ridiculous. Instead, McKellan hits the nail on the head, playing into every delicious English stereotype that exists within the minds of Americans.

What most Christians want to know about before seeing this film, of course, is how the information about Jesus’ relationship to Mary Magdalene is handled. Though the book delivers a very straight-forward, very one-sided, very definite version of that relationship, the movie takes a less confrontational position. In a key speech, Langdon tells Sophie that “the only thing that matters is what you believe.” Moving this speech from its original placement in the book to the final scene of the movie seems almost like a white flag from the filmmakers. It is as if they are saying, “We know some of you may be offended by our version of these events, so we want to remind you that relativism is the only real truth in the world today.” So go ahead, believe whatever you want. You officially have Tom Hanks’ permission. Or, at least, Robert Langdon’s.

Though book purists will be disappointed by the changes made to the movie, and newcomers to the story may feel confused, The Da Vinci Code should make plenty of money in its opening weeks. The book has remained on the bestsellers list (usually at number one or two) every week for the past three years. Curiosity alone will initially bring plenty of people into the theatres. In the long run, however, the unfortunate choices made by all involved will prevent this movie from becoming a future classic.



Imagine Entertainment
Directed by: Ron Howard

Primary Cast:
Robert Langon – Tom Hanks
Sophie Neveu – Audrey Tautou
Bezu Fache – Jean Reno
Leigh Teabing – Sir Ian McKellan
Bishop Aringarosa – Alfred Molina
Silas – Paul Bettany