Last year the da vinci code became one of the most saught after novels of our time. A fiction story which topped the best sellers charts for months and caused much delibaration and argument around Christianity which ultimately ended up in the high courts.
With all of this attention drawn to the excellent novel it was only a metter of time before the film would be made. Assembling a starring cast of Tom Hanks, Ian McKellen, Audrey Tautou, Jean Reno and Paul Bethany - all under the directorship of Ron Howard, it seemed nothing could go wrong.
The story it based around a secret society which has kept the location of the Holy Grail secret for thousands of years. This society is made up of the greatest of minds in the world at that point and over the years has included all of the scientific greats. When the grandmaster of the society is murdered he leaves a message for his daughter to contact Robert Langdon (Hanks). Langdon is an expert in ancient history and symbolism and it seems the dead Grandmaster has left a series of clues for Langdon and his daughter to follow in order to locate the grail and ensure it's safety. However Langdon is also the prime suspect for the Grandmasters murder and as well as being hunted by the police is also being hunted by the Church, in the form of Silas (Bethany), a murdering monk who believes in doing the Church's work at all costs.
The film bounces from location to location and the central cast solve clues all over the world, through France, England and back to France again. There are twists turns and alot of chase scenes, however I have to say the film left me disappointed.
When I read the book it was clear that Dan Brown knew most of his readers would not be overly familar with Grail legends and religious symbology. However he took great pains to explain the significance in each painting / sculpture / building and at the same time never insulted the readers intelligence. In the film you feel some aspects are totally dumbed down for the audience whilst others are glossed over completely.
The actors are also a mixed bunch. Despite his obvious star power I didn't really warm to Hanks in this and Audrey Tautou is average at best as the grieving grand daughter and leading lady. Much better are Bethany and McKellen who steal every scene they're in.
At times the special efects are excellent - for instance you see Hank's mind working at one point as pictures overlap and ideas form and die, however this isn't continued right the way through and leaves you wondering why they weren't consistant.
The film runs for over 2 hours and even in this time I think there is alot of material left out which is disappointing after the success of the book.
There is also a major plot change involving one of the characters in the final part of the film, which gives it a more Hollywood feel, however is not in keeping with the book.
I only had the DVD on loan for a night and so couldn't review all of the extras, although from what I saw this is where the director really goes to town on explaining the story fully. I think this is a DVD you would be better owning that renting as the vast amount of information in the extras could take days to go through but would be ultimately rewarding when you watch the film a second time with fresh insight.
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Production Year: 2002 - Thriller - Director: Bharat Nalluri, Rob Bailey, Andy Wilson - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Matthew MacFadyen, Keeley Hawes, David Oyelowo, Peter Firth, Jenny Agutter, Lisa Faulkner
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I thought it was good on the technicalities but the book/film comparison was not really what a buyer would necessarily be looking for in a review. If you can spare the time/interest to add a bit more and spellcheck I would be pleased to re-rate
Shoka 14.12.2006 20:26
I thought the film was good.
imogen49 11.12.2006 14:47
I have never read the book or seen the film. Am I the only one?
Critics and controversy aside,The Da Vinci Codeis a verifiable blockbuster. Combine the ... more
film's huge worldwide box-office take with over 100 million copies of Dan Brown's book sold, and The Da Vinci Code has clearly made the leap from pop-culture hit to...
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...
Advantages: Fun, fast paced and intelligent. A great cast and enjoyable to watch. Disadvantages: Somewhat of a let down in some respects to the book (but could be worse)
MattMan101 10.12.2007 (11.12.2007)
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Review of The Da Vinci Code (DVD)
![The Da Vinci Code (2 Disc Special Edition) [DVD] [2006]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78501039.jpg "The Da Vinci Code (2 Disc Special Edition) [DVD] [2006]")
Dec 4th, 2006
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