The Da Vinci Code based on Dan Brown - 7 out of 10

The Da Vinci Code based on Dan Brown
7 out of 10


Having approached this motion picture with low expectations, I was surprised to find it not as bad as I thought - one suggested positive psychology rule is to lower your expectations, which worked here.

Having Tom Hanks in the leading role of Robert Langdon, Audrey Tatou as Sophie Neveu, Sir Ian McKellen as Sir Leigh Teabing, Jean Reno, Alfred Molina, Paul Bettany and others in the cast helmed by Ron Howard certainly added to the merits of a rather inventive plot.
Indeed, that is also part of the problem, for being creative is admirable, while pushing conspiracies and twists in the plot too far becomes a liability, at least for this viewer.

The debut of the film is very interesting and captivating.
Robert Langdon is the ultimate expert on symbols and he shocks the public with the look at svastikas as used by the Nazi, but also explained as ancient symbols and emphasizing that we need to see things in perspective and what seems vicious - another example is the Klan hoods that are also used in Spain, only for rather innocent purposes, contrary to the vile use they used to have in the States.
When a gruesome attack takes place and a clerical figure is killed, Robert Langdon is asked to help the investigation with his unparalleled knowledge.

He meets with Sophie Neveu, who is the granddaughter of the deceased, but they find themselves in serious trouble.
The most important things are at stake, for the rulers of the world, members of conspiracies try to hide the truth, annihilate adversaries, kill enemies all in a rather enjoyable mystery, but alas, only for about one hour or so.
At 149 minutes,The Da Vinci film takes much too long.

It is interesting, provoking to contemplate a feminist version of the life of Jesus.
The idea that among the twelve apostles there was Mary, seems one of the strong points.

I am not a believer and many have surely been aghast at what they must have dismissed as blasphemy.
For in this version of events, Jesus had intended Mary to be his Chosen successor.

Furthermore, Jesus Christ has had a child and then his line has survived to the present.
It might just be Sophie.

Then there is the issue of the Holy Grail, seen by many as a sort of cup.
Only it is not.

The academic incursions into this part of the history of Christianity, the crusade that was meant to get the Holy Grail and more, are very interesting.
Alas, the rest of the plot is too much to take.

To end on a positive note, I repeat the conclusion that it was not as bad as expected and it is even educational, if to a limited extent, on the matter of myths, symbols, conceivable speculations.
When it takes off into conspiracy theory and multiple exaggerations, it can become ludicrous.