The Da Vinci Code

To see or not to see?
Jan Stetter
QCFMag.com

Controversial? Hardly.

A thriller? Too much expository dialogue.

Shocking? That depends on how evolved and open minded to possibilities--fictitious or otherwise--one is.

Entertaining? You bet!

The Da Vinci Code is a movie based on the novel of the same name by author Dan Brown. Actors Tom Hanks and Ian McKellen are the code breakers of this mystery. Audrey Tautou as Hank’s accomplice and Paul Bettany as an ominous presence are the pawns in this movie that at times, plays out like a sophisticated game of CLUE.

Hanks plays Robert Langdon, a Harvard professor who is an authority on the science of symbiology. Hank’s talent in portraying a fictitious scientific academe as credible is a testament to Hanks’ ability as a first rate actor. Audrey Tautou, playing criminologist Sophie Neveu gives a straightforward performance that is instrumental in discovering the controversy at the root of this story. The relationship between Robert and Sophie lacked the chemistry intimated in the book.

Ian McKellen as Sir Leigh Teabing brings life to his character’s job of dispensing the necessary facts associated to a conspiracy. Once McKellen’s presence lights up the screen, the plot and action moves quickly and gives momentum to the chase. Sir Leigh Teabing has dedicated his resources as an aristocratic historian to uncover the truth behind the Sacred Feminine and the Holy Grail. His obsession and wealth knows no bounds. The ultimate goal is in seeking the truth at any cost.

Casting Paul Bettany as the haunting, tortured soul used as the muscle to do the “dirty work” of the real life organization Opus Dei was a winning choice. He plays a devoted servant unconditionally committed to the loyalty and instructions of Bishop Aringarosa played by Alfred Molina. Bettany plays one unforgiving albino madman.

Director Ron Howard is as trustworthy and forthcoming as Opie Taylor, the son of a small town sheriff character he once played as a boy. Just as Opie seeks truth amongst conflict, so does Ron Howard in the way he directed this movie. For the most part, Howard’s direction follows the novel in its entirety. It is not necessary to have read the novel to understand the movie.

The Da Vinci Code is the topic of numerous conversations. It has been debated, defended, and debunked. What the movie may lack in authenticity is really beside the point. For all of the religious naysayers’ fervor to boycott this movie, their efforts only serve to ignite more curiosity as evidenced in movie ticket sales. And in their zeal they fail to recognize a valuable fact—The DaVinci Code is a movie based on a fictitious book.

Get over it. And while you’re at it, get over to this movie. It’s worth seeing.

Having trouble making decisions about whether a movie is worth it? "To See or Not To See" reviews movies each week on Monday. Contact: jans@queencityforum.com