Review of The Da Vinci Code

With all the hoopla this movie is causing in Asia, I've decided to review it myself as I differ with most of the reviews out so far.

To start off with I'm not a big movie buff and mostly watch independent-type films. I rarely see Hollywood blockbusters unless I'm tagging along on a family outing.

Also, I was not one of the 50 million or so people who read the Da Vinci Code book. So many of the scenes may have been more suspenseful for me than for reader-viewers. My expectations might also have been lower although I was not immune to all the publicity. I've seen more than a few documentaries and news specials devoted to the theme of Dan Brown's novel.

Another thing that might color my opinion is that I have more than a passing interest in things like "symbology," history and archaeology. So parts that may have bored others waiting for more action-packed gore, I found quite stimulating.

Character depth and development probably suffered because this film had a lot of historical matter to convey to the audience in a relatively short time. You won't find much going on romantically here, no heat generated between Langdon (Hank's character) and Sophie (Audrey Tautou).

That fact alone may have disappointed some critics. The need to relay much information cuts down on the time needed to convey emotion. Therefore, the action is not of the roller-coaster type and there are some disconnects in the emotional train.

However, the flashback scenes, especially the cuts to the medieval period are well done. The film has a fairly good medieval air, which is important to the atmosphere that one expects.

Sophie's character could have used more development in certain dimensions that are best not revealed here. The audience really needs to connect with her more in the early parts of the film. The car scene, though, when she flashbacks to her childhood is memorable.

Overall the acting is good, but not sensational. Probably the most intriguing relationship is that between Silas, the albino hitman, and the Opus Dei leader. Silas' character is well-developed from the emotional perspective.

Ian McKellan also does a great job as the scholarly expert on the "Priory of Sion." His acting though falls apart a bit, in my view, near the end.

Action in this film was quite good enough except maybe for hardcore adrenaline seekers. Not the type of thing that keeps you gripped to your seat, but more mental movement in trying to solve the next step of the puzzle. That could be a negative issue for those who have read the book, although as I understand Howard made some important story alterations with this in mind.

Not sure why the last 10 minutes of the film drew chuckles at the Cannes pre-preview. This was the same part of the movie that was cut out by Thai censors, but latter allowed after Columbia Pictures appealed the ruling. The ending to such a film must have been tremendously difficult and I think it was pulled off reasonably well.

In the end, it seems like the idea of the "sacred feminine," an underlying theme in the movie is ticking off both the church and critics, but maybe for different reasons. That might be an interesting study in itself. Some Catholic church leaders have characterized the book and film as the greatest challenge the faith has ever faced, which in my view is perplexing.

For those who like a good mystery, or a film that examines thoughtfully the history of the human condition, this film is recommended. Otherwise, you may want to follow Howard's advice and wait for reviews coming through the grapevine.





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Wong Kar-Wai orders casual style for Cannes jurors

Cannes jury president Wong Kar-Wai emphasized that smoking and sunglasses would be allowed during jury meetings as the 2006 Festival de Cannes kicked off Wednesday.

Wong dressed in his trademark dark sunglasses was greeted at the opening with a clip from his movie 2046 and a live opera performance.


Cannes jury president Wong Kar-Wai with fellow jurors Monica Belluci and Zhang Ziyi. AP photo from Yahoo News.

His compatriot, Zhang Ziyi, joins him on the jury and both fielded questions in Mandarin from the journalist pool. Zhang at age 27 is one of youngest Cannes jurors ever.

The entire jury consists of Palestinian director Elia Suleiman, U.S. actor Samuel L. Jackson , Argentine director Lucrecia Martel, Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi, Italian actress Monica Bellucci , British actor/director Tim Roth , British actress Helena Bonham-Carter and French director Patrice Leconte.

Critics pan Da Vinci Code, but controversy still swirls

Hard to say whether the negative reviews of critics at the Cannes film festival will have any impact on The Da Vinci Code's box office.

The movie is bound to do well simply because of the success of the book. However, will the critics keep some people from seeing the film?

Strangely the movie is creating the most controversy in Asia where countries like India, Thailand, South Korea and the Philippines have talked of banning the film.


Audrey Tautou at the screening of The Da Vinci Code at the Cannes film festival on May 17. AP photo from Yahoo News.

Despite approval of censors, the film's opening may be delayed in India, and in Thailand they cut the last 10 minutes of the drama, but later reversed the decision after an appeal by Columbia Pictures.

It's likely all the hoopla from protesters will boost visibility of the Da Vinci Code, and thus may in the end increase sales for the Sony Pictures production.

A screening in China actually beat out the Cannes' "premiere" by about an hour, and the film appears to be generating much interest in that country.