Reflections on the newest blockbuster, “The Da Vinci Code”

A murder has broken inside the Louvre Museum, and the greatest suspect is Professor Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks, with a funny new look). As he is watched on close guard by Detective Bezu Fache (Jean Reno), he teams up with Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tatou), a fan of his work. They both discover a series of clues on paintings by Leonardo da Vinci that may end with every pillar of Christianity.

“The Da Vinci Code” is a best-seller, whose complex story and various characters seemed to conquer many fans. As someone who never read the novel, I went into the preview screening of the “Code” open-minded. To certain extent, I believe this movie was somewhat faithful to the book, from all I’ve read about it. However, even those who never read the book will realize some key parts are missing. “Code” has been shifted from a complex and polemic thriller to a confusing- and in some ways forgettable- suspenseful drama. There are some plot holes clearly visible and that does get in the way of the (great) fun inside this movie.

The movie already starts with a bang. The murder takes place electrically, with so much action that it is possible to wonder if you’re in the right room. “Code” has loads of action, and that does get in the way of the curious intrigue that drives the movie: are the values of Christianism fake? And maybe it wasn’t a good idea to change the gears here. After all, people want to see a “Passion of the Christ” over a “Mission Impossible”. However, when the movie catches your attention, it is hard to let go. Perhaps because the cast is so into the project that they make the characters believable, or perhaps because Ron Howard is secure in his directing (although this same directing is completely wrong for a movie like this). “Code” still remains a loud action movie, but one with content. Seriously, who walks into a theater expecting to see a Jackie Chan movie that revolves about a conspiracy over a certain religion? It is just hard to understand.

However, the philosophical contempt inside “Code” is reason enough to make this movie become a cult classic. “Code” is still complex in many levels, but it is easy to understand there are more explanations in the book. The screenplay of “Code” is certain of mixed reactions: it has moments of geniality, it has moments of boredom, but it never quite reaches the point.

The actors, however, are top-notch. The team behind “Code” was exactly the right one that needed to be chosen. Tom Hanks, Jean Reno, and Audrey Tautou are great as their respective characters- Robert Langdon, Bezu Fache, and Sophie Neveu. Alfred Molina is marvelous as a greedy Bishop that will do anything- I repeat, ANYTHING- to reach a level of power higher than that of the Pope’s. As much as they are great, there are two actors that are completely compelling and that steal the show. Sir. Ian McKellen is impressive as Sir. Leigh Teabing, a historian who living in France that also helps Langdon in his quest. McKellen is absolutely amazing making the audience believe he’s been a historian for all his lifetime. He is calm and wise and even gives the idea of a leader to Langdon. The other one that deserves notice- and great notice- is Paul Bettany. As the monk Silas, Bettany has found one of the creepiest characters to ever come on screen. He is purely evil and his pale skin and threatening eyes haunted me after the session. He is perfect, and there isn’t anyone who would be capable of performing this villain as good as him.

To sum it all up, I will admit one thing to you. I am disappointed. Deeply. I did go open-minded, but I was expecting more. There is just too much icing on the cake, and a great potential is partially ruined here. However, “Code” offers plenty of fun and fits a perfect summer blockbuster. But the book wasn’t written to be a summer blockbuster. If this was to be directed by a Darren Aronofsky or a Fernando Meirelles, the final outcome would be completely different- and for the better. However, it seems like the studio has spun their wheels the wrong way as they hired Ron Howard for the job. It’s too bad- this one could’ve been an unforgettable classic.

Author: agentmatheus from Brazil

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