The Da Vinci Code review

Rating: 10/10 (10 December 2011)

Professor Langdon (played by Tom Hanks) is a symbologist who gets called to the crime scene of a museum curator. The curator, Jacques Sauniere, (played by Jean-Pierre Marielle) knows who his killer is and knows that Prof. Langdon will be able to decipher a centuries-old secret and help to keep it safe. Mr. Sauniere's granddaughter, Sophie Neveu (played by Audrey Tautou), knows that both she and Professor Langdon are in great danger and she helps him escape the museum. From there, it is a high- speed chase to unravel the mystery that many are willing to kill over. There are many ancient symbols and puzzles that Langdon must decode in order to get the answer that could change history if accessed by the wrong hands. The theme of this movie is symbols and codes. Codes and symbols are present throughout the entire film. The title, The Da Vinci Code, gives you an idea about the theme even before you watch the movie. Langdon is a symbologist who studies ancient codes and symbols for a living. He is even teaching a seminar on ancient symbols at the beginning of the movie when he is called to the crime scene. Langdon's knowledge of ancient codes is immense, which is why Mr. Sauniere trusts he will have the comprehension be able to decode the secret of the Holy Grail. The element of music was used extensively in the film. One particular scene that stands out is the scene where Silas (played by Paul Bettany), an extremist follower of the organization Opus Dei, flogs himself. He believes this allows him to feel the pain Jesus Christ felt when he was being whipped prior to being hung on the cross. The music used in this scene is loud but poignant, creating a strong emotional effect that allows the audience to almost feel the pain that this man is putting himself through. Angle was another component used often in the film. The ending scene with Langdon returning to the pyramid in the Louvre is a good example. After realizing that the Holy Grail is hidden there, he kneels in reverence. The camera angle travels up and above him, looking down on the top of the pyramid. It then proceeds to move downward toward the pyramid faster and faster, revealing the underground chamber holding the ancient secret that only a few select people in the world know about.
All in all, it is an enjoyable, fast-paced film that allows the viewer to unravel the mysteries right along with the characters. There are many twists and turns until finally all is revealed.