The DaVinci Code (Blu-ray Disc)

When I first heard Da Vinci Code was going to be made into a movie I knew it would a film I would have to see...Both hubby and I had read the book and found it truly fascinating I was caught up in all the hoopla going on about the movie, watched the film clips when the cast appeared on all the talk shows and read with dismay how the audience in Cannes was not overwhelmed by the film . This opening weekend we decided to make up our own minds and went to see just how Ron Howard, who had never disappointed me with his talent as a director, would do with this very intriguing story.


My first impression was what, why are people so against this movie? What did the critics want? I found the movie to be exciting and suspenseful even though I did know in advance, from reading the book, what the big surprise was going to be at the end. I was caught up immediately in the story and though the movie lasted 2 hours the time passed quickly as the story played out I only looked at my watch once, for me that is a good criteria.


Basically, this is a murder mystery, with surprise twist at the end for those who never read the book .


It is story that weaves legends, history and fantasy into a tale about a 2000 year old riddle and the characters involved, who, without planning to, go about solving the mystery and this intriguing riddle as well. A riddle that has been passed down though the ages.


Is it also a story of the good guys vs the bad. But, just who are the bad guys and why to do they want this ancient secret to be kept a secret? What do they not want us to know?


Tom Hanks plays symbologist Robert Langdon who just happens to be in Paris on a lecture tour promoting his new book. All that changes when he is summoned by the police to witness a murder scene in the Louvre. Why call Langdon? Well, it seems the murdered man was the curator of this most prestigious museum and his body was found in the most unusual manner, draped in symbols...therefore Langdon would be the perfect choice to try to unravel this truly bizarre mystery. When Langdon sees the body he soon figures out the murdered man actually displayed himself like that before he died his lifeless body was a clue in and of itself, leading to other clues, all connected to Leonardo Da Vinci s masterpieces and the secrets that might be buried within them. Just after his arrival, Sophie Neveu, (Audrey Tautou), arrives, a French police cryptologist, who had been called on the scene by the head detective Bezu Fache, (Jean Reno). Sophie also happens to be the slain mans granddaughter. While studying the grizzly crime scene certain facts come to light, one, that the curator was a member, actually the Grand Master of a group called the Priory of Sion, (which is actually a true secret society), in the movie this society was formed centuries ago to protect and preserve a major secret later we learn the main reason for this and what the secret is.


We also meet Silas, (Paul Bettany), an Albino Monk who has a strange fetish of flagellation and inflicting pain on himself He also just happens to be a hit man for a secret Vatican society, Opus Dei...He works for a Bishop Arigarosa (Alfred Molina), whose main goal is to make sure this big secret is suppressed forever, remaining just that, deep dark secret Silas and Bishop Arigaosa have a huge back story in the book which is only glimpsed briefly in the film.


Langdon and Sophie soon find out they are a targets of a dire plot, and that detective Fache isn t all he is supposed to be with his own few ulterior motives. Soon they are on the run and decide to seek refuge with Roberts friend Sir Teabing, (Ian McKellen). Teabing happens to be an expert on Da Vinci and all Leonardo s works, especially the painting The Last Supper . The scene where he explains his theory about this painting and the Holy Grail is really a key to whole controversial historical and intriguing religious story line and the catalyst for what happens in the future of this movie. It also is revealed that Da Vinci was a grand master of the Priory of Sion as were many well known revered scholars, artists and lay people down though history, all sworn to protect that mysterious and hidden secret.


Chase scenes, betrayals, murder and mysterious happenings abound for the rest of the movie The hidden clues in the puzzles found are a few of the most interesting aspects, as Sophie tries to remember bits and pieces of her childhood. If these puzzles don t help Sophie and Langdon get to the truth, this most precious secret of all time could be forever lost to the world. But would they reveal this clandestine truth when the time came? Should they? When they end up in Scotland at a small chapel called Rosslyn this answer is supposed to be answered. A fine fictional ending or is it real?


We do have to remember that this movie is a fictional mystery, one of historical proportions and even though it is based on a book that was a best seller with millions of readers I won t reveal the ending for those that aren t familiar with the story I did feel the movie followed the books storyline faithfully I also felt the acting was right on the money I ve read some criticism of Tautou, that she wasn t as perky as in other roles but I think this part really didn t call for perkiness Hanks did a fine job as he always does and kept my attention throughout the movie...British actor Ian McKellan was terrific, changing his character s tone when the time came without so much as a hint as to what was to come. And Paul Bettany was the perfect hitman with a vengeance, but with a sadness more easily understood if you had read the book...The only actor whose talents I thought were a bit wasted was Jean Reno who I ve seen in much better roles in other movies.


The big question though-out the movie and book remains a simple one: What and where is the Holy Grail? A mystery that has baffled historians for over 2000 years, one that has yet to be answered? Is it answered in this story?


Another fascinating part of the movie were the historic flashbacks. Everything from ancient Rome, to the birth of Christianity, the short but strange backstory about Silas, as well as looking into Sophie s past and quite a few other scenes. I thought these were a masterful bit of filmmaking displaying Ron Howard s directorial talents...Done in an unusual fashion, a somewhat grainy tone and color, some were simultaneous with present day scenes. The contrast was striking and very easy to discern the past from the present.


A highlight for me was the exquisite background, filmed in and around Paris, England and Scotland, the sights still thrill me when I see those historic and recognizable old buildings The actual scenes shot inside the Louvre were equally impressive considering so few of us actually get to see inside that venerable old institution without crowds standing in front of all the artwork and displays. I do wish I had either seen this movie or read the book before I stood in front of The Last Supper in Milan It certainly would have had a different effect on me and you can be sure I would have looked for those hidden clues. The scenes at the Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland, so remote and so important a spot on the world map were also impressive. Then, the last scene, as Langdon stood in front of the famous Pyramid entrance to the Louvre , his puzzle coming together, was a scene I relished and that stunning sight has never looked better.


All in all I found this movie to be fascinating, fast moving and a delight to watch I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a story with an intriguing mystery, fine drama and plenty of action.
The Da Vinci Code will make you think, regardless of your beliefs ...You just have to remember, as Ron Howard has said in every interview I ve seen him in, this is a fictional story!


For anyone interested in learning more about the story both pros and cons, the truths and untruths, I happened to come across a show on the History Channel called Beyond The Da Vinci Code a well documented piece of non-fiction which traces the story in the book and movie from beginning to end



The Cast
Tom Hanks - Robert Langdon
Audrey Tautou - Sophie Neveu
Ian McKellen - Sir Teabing
Jean Reno - Bezu Fache
Alfred Molina - Bishop Arigarosa
Paul Bettany - Silas


I'm going to take liberty with the write/off I'm hosting,"Fabulous French Finds" by adding this review to the list since it was filmed and took place in France for about 80% of the movie...To read the rest of the entries or to join the party please go here.