Da Vinci Code – Film Review
However, the book still held my interest with its creative exploration of symbology and history. It helped me through an otherwise mediocre (at best) novel. It’s prequel, “Angels & Demons”, was far better. In the end, I was more fascinated by the sweeping attention and fascination it inspired in its millions of readers. Whether a dedicated fan or a fierce detractor, industries were birthed out of the buzz this controversial book. Few draw more attention than the release of the film version of the book, which opened tonight. And so, curious to see where it would go, I attended it with my brother and father.
If you have followed any of the critiques of the film, you will know that it has already garnered low ratings at best. I am not sure if anyone should be surprised, given the lack of literary (choke) quality. And yet, with a director like Ron Howard, stars like Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou and Sir Ian McKellen, combined with a fairly robust budget, even I hoped for more. Not only was I disappointed, frankly, I was bored.
In what appeared to be an attempt to remain faithful to the book, the dialogue seemed like a lifeless reading from the book itself. Without a creative way to bring the details of history and symbology alive, this left the actors with nothing at act. When the history was being discussed, cheesy flashback scenes that made “National Treasure” look Oscar worthy, failed to deliver the impact needed to carry it in this over long film. The only light in the film (other than the credits) was the flawless acting of genius Sir Ian McKellen. Sadly, it was far from enough to carry the movie. The irony is that, had the critics not raised such a fuss, the film may have fizzled altogether. However, it is the heated attacks that will likely push ticket sales far beyond what they might otherwise be.
People have asked me why I have not blogged on this topic earlier. It wasn’t because of my opposition to the book/film- frankly, I thought it didn’t rate as much of a topic beyond the interest it stirred. I am offended or concerned by the theory it puts forth, as even the most amateur historian could debunk them. What makes this phenomenon worth discussing is what it reflects about peoples increasing lack of confidence in the church. Scot McKnight has discussed this far better than I could.
Therefore, my recommendation is not to rush out to see the film. If you must see it on the big screen, wait for the crowds to wane. Otherwise, a rental will suffice. As for a tool to discuss faith with, I am not sure we need another example of shallow art associated with Christian evangelism, but I’ll leave that for you to decide. As for me, I wish I had those few hours and dollars back. Oh well…
Jamie, thanks for your words here…the reviews I’ve heard ceratinly fall into what your saying. Oh well, I’ve read the book, I’ll leave it at that and wait for 2$ tuesday in the local video store. As for all the hype about this being a tool fro the church to engage in conversation…there are far better films for engagement than this. Peace…Ron+
Reminds me of the hoopla around the Last Temptation of Christ — it was a terrible movie that probably would’ve died from natural causes, but indignant and rabid Christians created tons of controversy, and controversy SELLS.
Thanks for the review Jamie. Sam and I are off to see the movie this afternoon.
I think it is time for Christians to have some fun with the Da Vinci Code. I read somewhere that Dan Brown is a committed Christian. Hmmm! I wonder if this Da Vinci code is the biggest hoax ever played on the church since they supposedly found Noah’s Ark on Mt Ararat. I wonder if Brown is watching all the hand wringing and denunciations and attention being paid to his book with great glee.
So I decided if you can’t beat him, join him! Not in the sense I agree with his take on history or Jesus but in the sense I like the fun he is having with us all in discovering fanciful conspiracies and using codes to hide explosive truths. I am not alone in this, the judge, Peter Smith, in the copyright infringement trial between Brown and the authors of The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail encoded a message in his judgment.
I have posted an article at my blog entitled “The Clergy Conspiracy – Decode this Post to Uncover An Explosive Truth!” I sent out the email yesterday and I have already had a number of replies or guesses at what the code spells.
Here is an additional clue. The number of letters in the sequence to be decoded is 20. Anyone want to give it a try? Click <A href=”http://blog.mike.mcloughlin.com/blog/_archives/2006/5/19/1970966.html” rel=nofollow>here</A>.
Ron,
Very true. Please list a few that you would recommend. I plan to post of it next week
Peace,
Jamie
Rob,
I felt like I needed a shower after Last Temptation. Sure, much could be discussed from it, but I felt it required to high a price in the viewing.
Peace,
Jamie
Mike,
Brown’s claims to Christianity don’t interest me much. I think he is banking on cash cow of controversy. Thanks for the linkage.
Peace,
Jamie
Jamie, movies we have looked at most recently in the Cafe have been, ” In America, 21 Grams and Crash “. We found ” In America “, a powerful movie that really engaged everyone in alot of great conversation…even more so than, ” The Passion of the Christ.” Can’t wait to here your thoughts. Peace…Ron+
Jamie, Thanks for your perpective, especially on Dan Brown’s novels, which I found interesting.
I tried to slosh through the book, but it was just too low priority to me. I have a hard time with most fiction I try.
Ron,
“In America” is fantastic. “21 Grams” is powerful, but challenging for many. “Crash” is also excellent, easily deserving its best picture win.
Other films to consider are “Wit”, “The Mission”, “Big Kahuna” and… more to come!
Peace,
Jamie
Ted,
If you are going to spend the time in fiction, save your time for the good stuff. “The Shoes Of The Fisherman” by Morris West is difficult to find, but worth the effort. I have others I’d recommend as well.
Peace,
Jamie
Big J
I linked you today…hope you don’t mind!
Thanks Big G! (wink)
Wow, you guys (Robby & Jamie) are harsh on Last Temptation. I was a fairly new Christian when that came out so of course folks were all up in arms about it. I saw it with my backgammon buddy (very nominal Christian) and found it a truly bizarre film. But the scene at the end where Jesus encounters Paul in the marketplace will stick with me for the rest of my life. It was a clear contrast between the Jesus I had come to know with the Jesus the movie tried to create and Paul just emboldened me. Paul was obviously someone with an experience in that film. I think it really speaks to the Da Vinci issue – if you have a experience of the risen Christ you are not going to be at the mercy of a substandard portrayal. I think it reveals that our society is so in need of a real encounter with the resurrected Jesus! I think all this talk about the film opening conversation is just idiotic, same thing happened with Passion and I just can’t imagine why a non-Christian would want to see that film, let alone talk about it after. (And I’m not sure if I’d want to have the conversation that might fall out of that either).
We just watched Lord of War last night (my wife and I). Now there is a disturbing movie that could open up some serious conversation that is needed. Why don’t we see Christians getting behind a movie like that and making a buzz. I sadly think that Chrissendom is driven too much by trying to be right (have the truth) than by living what is right and making a difference in the world. Frankly it just bugs me. I haven’t read the book, I might see the film, but there are so much more important things that I could be doing.
Frank,
I didn’t think I was being harsh, but honest with my personal experience with the film. I was very intentional to make my statements about personal opinion and not universalize it. As you say, there are powerful parts of the movie that speak volumes, but in the end, I feel it exacts to great a price as a result of the rest of the film.
You comments about the discussions about Da Vinci Code open up conversations was precisely why I did the photo post. What did you think of that?
My recommendation is wait for the movie to come to DVD, splitting the cost with a few friends. THEN you might get your money’s worth. The book is… interesting, but with so many other GREAT books out there, I am not sure it is worth it.
Thanks for stopping by!
Peace,
Jamie
Yeah I loved the pic Jamie. I was kinda being a bit sarcastic with the harsh comment. Needling you and the R-Mac. Guess that didn’t come across like a hoped.
I often cash in my Sears points for free movies at blockbuster. I think I’ll use those so that I definitely get my moneys worth.
Frank
Frank,
No, you were probably very clear. I was working on a few hours sleep. I was upset, just responded like a humourless robot. Man, I need sleep! LOL
Good call on the rental.
Peace,
Jamie