Flippin' Nora I have sooooo many reviews to read!!! Kate x
Flippin' Nora I have sooooo many reviews to read!!! Kate x
Member since:17.07.2006
Reviews:148
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The Da Vinci Code (2006)
The film, made in is based on the book of the same title by Dan Brown and charts a 24 hour period in the life of Robert Langdon, a Harvard professor who specialises in symbology. When the curator of the Louvre in Paris is murdered, Langdon is called in to help investigate, little suspecting why he has been asked to help. Along with the granddaughter of Jacques Sauntiere, the dead curator, he begins an exhilarating quest to unravel a mystery that is literally as old as the hills. The action takes place over 24 hours, as the two main characters battle it out together to try and uncover the mystery before dark, hidden enemies banish it forever.
The film stars Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon, Audrey Tantou as Sophie Neveu, and features other great actors like Ian McKellen, and Jean Reno. The film is directed by Ron Howard.
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Me and The Book and The Film.
I read the Da Vinci Code long after the main hullabaloo of hype surrounding the original 1st edition hardback had died down, and I must admit that from the very first page I was hooked. No matter that I could see the cliff hanger endings and alternate chapter focus for what they were - keeping me on the edge of my seat - I knew that, but still was sucked in. I loved the idea that finally, I had found a novel that centred on art in a modern way, and I couldn't put that damn book down till the last page was read. I remember staying up till four in the morning and drinking coffee to try and stay awake because I wanted to know what happened next. For all that has been said of Dan Brown, it is good penmanship that he can hold his readers attention through the twists and turns of an incredible tale, still making it believable and getting so very many people caught up in a worldwide discussion about religion. I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread.
But that was the book.
I waited and anticipated the film with such longing. I even decided not to re-read the book as I wanted to savour the film as though it was my first encounter with the story, to come to the screening of it without the words lingering in my mind. The trailer I had seen captivated me, and I felt that of all the people to cast in the role of Robert Langdon, Tom Hanks was surely a great call. Audrey Tantou (Amelie) as Sophie Neveu seemed a perfect choice too, and they looked and sounded exactly as I had pictured them in my mind when I read the book.
The sets and the locations were perfect too, with The Louvre and Rosslyn Chapel featuring in exactly the places they should in the film. I could not be anything less than impressed by either the acting or the locations.
I was, however thoroughly disappointed by the script. So much was left out, so much was left to the imagination of the audience that I felt a little robbed by Ron Howard. Choosing to leave such important things relating to Sophie's family and grandfather out of the script took so much of the importance and relevance of the reason for telling the story away, and was totally detrimental to the film as a whole.
I enjoyed the film, I'll grant you that, but it left a little disappointed sour taste in my mouth that still appears from time to time whenever I think of it. I don't think I'll be buying the DVD, though I may buy the soundtrack, as I really enjoyed the musical backdrop of the film. It is a good film, by all accounts, but when you've enjoyed a book as much as I did this one, the film really did disappoint.
I can recommend this film, and I think that anyone who has never read the book will probably love it, but if you have read and enjoyed the book, don't get your hopes up too high that the film will be a mirror image of the book, because it's a long way from perfect.
Thank you for reading, Kate x
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I am not sure if Book vs. film is really so important to many potential buyers but I agreed with what you have said and you have not pushed a view so this is very helpful
brereton66 16.11.2006 13:17
Good review, interested in seeing the film as I like the underlying story although I couldn't abide Dan Browns book.
Sal4Mike 10.11.2006 23:58
Well I am one of those (like earlier below) who have neither read the book or seen the fim and have no real inclination to either - just not my cup of tea, but great review on it all the same!! tc x Sal x
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Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Dan Brown's international bestseller comes alive in the film The Da Vinci Code, directed ... more
By Academy Award Winner Ron Howard (2001 Directing, A Beautiful Mind). Join symbologist Robert Langdon (Academy Award Winner Tom Hanks, 1993 Best Actor, Philadelph...
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Nov 8th, 2006
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