Spring Break
Film Version Of 'Da Vinci Code' Isn't So Divine
DVD Review
Dan Gross
Issue date: 11/16/06 Section: Focus
Sounds like an interesting plot on paper, right? Exactly. That's probably why the book sold so well and created the need for this movie. However, whatever made the book so popular and controversial seems to be missing from this movie. The script by Akiva Goldsman ("A Beautiful Mind") is so jumbled and long-winded it makes the movie less and less interesting minute by minute; many people may even fight the urge to yell, "I don't care!" at the screen from time to time. At many points, the script turns from full-on history lecture mode, to simplistic Hollywood thriller mode, then back to lecture mode over and over again, often times in a single scene. Unfortunately, the film's depictions of Catholicism fall under the Hollywood thriller aspect. The only thing that angered me, however, was the flood of history material; perhaps it should have been filtered to only the particularly relevant, interesting, zeal-inspiring stuff.
The big problem with the movie is referenced in the movie itself about 45 minutes in when Neveu confesses to Langdon, "Funny, I don't even like history," and then explains why. Needless to say, if that reasoning applies to you, and you are as far from a history major as you can possibly get, then please do not waste your time with "The Da Vinci Code."
In terms of technical aspects, the movie checks out ok.
The cinematography is by Salvatore Totino ("Cinderella Man"), the elaborate production design is respectable, as well as the stirring editing job by Dan Hanley and Mike Hill ("Apollo 13"), the epic-scaled score by Hans Zimmer ("Gladiator"), is admirable and Ron Howard did OK with his pseudo-edgy direction, but this is just another case of a well-meaning movie shot down by a bad script.
The two-disc DVD available for rental includes 10 behind the scenes featurettes that are pretty decent, despite being too brief or superficial once in a while, and definitely make up for the conspicuous lack of commentary. If you insist on renting this movie, give them a watch. Otherwise, approach it with discretion.
The big problem with the movie is referenced in the movie itself about 45 minutes in when Neveu confesses to Langdon, "Funny, I don't even like history," and then explains why. Needless to say, if that reasoning applies to you, and you are as far from a history major as you can possibly get, then please do not waste your time with "The Da Vinci Code."
In terms of technical aspects, the movie checks out ok.
The cinematography is by Salvatore Totino ("Cinderella Man"), the elaborate production design is respectable, as well as the stirring editing job by Dan Hanley and Mike Hill ("Apollo 13"), the epic-scaled score by Hans Zimmer ("Gladiator"), is admirable and Ron Howard did OK with his pseudo-edgy direction, but this is just another case of a well-meaning movie shot down by a bad script.
The two-disc DVD available for rental includes 10 behind the scenes featurettes that are pretty decent, despite being too brief or superficial once in a while, and definitely make up for the conspicuous lack of commentary. If you insist on renting this movie, give them a watch. Otherwise, approach it with discretion.
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