Film: The Da Vinci Code
Tagline
Seek the truth
Plot
Dan Brown’s best selling novel The Da Vinci code made into a film. Does it actually need an introduction? Probably not, but for those of you who don’t know the story, let me enlighten you. Robert Langdon (Hanks), theological cryptologist, is being accused of murdering Jacques Sauničre, curator of the Louvre museum by captain Fache (Reno). Sophie Neveu (Tatou) helps him escape and together they follow the clues left by Sauničre to solve the mystery and find his killer. Unfortunately there are more people interested in Sauničres secret: the whereabouts of the Holy Grail.
Being fiction, this book had an immense effect upon most of its readers. The question is will the 2 ˝ hour film as well? The answer is: almost. The story does not deviate from the original very much, but the information which is the prove of the so called deception by the Catholic Church is being laid down so fast, that it is a lot to take in, even if you have read the book.
Acting
The acting of the two main characters, Langdon and Neveu, wasn’t mind blowing. In fact, some of the lines were so weak it made the hair on my neck rise. The lack of chemistry between Hanks and Tatou was a bit of a disappointment, because in the novel a romance is beginning to bloom between them. In the film it looks more like fatherly affection.
In every scene he’s in Ian McKellen, as Sir Leigh Teabing steals the show. Need I say more? In every role he plays he is convincing and believable. Brilliant actor! I was very much looking forward to see Silas, the albino monk, being played by Paul Bettany. He didn’t let me down. He first won my heart in ‘A Knight’s Tale’, being by far the best actor in that film, and now he proved himself again. Not as the best actor of the film, but he is very convincing.
Additional
Even if you believe the story is crap, which I don’t, movies like this can get to you. I can’t help thinking what we believe as normal and how little question marks are raised by simple things, such as the markings of the rose line in Paris.
Verdict: The film does live up to ones hopes, but isn’t as great as it could have been. If you like mysteries know the novel and have some basic knowledge of what is in the bible, go see this one! If you like Paul Bettany, this one is a must, but don’t get scared by his appearance in this film.