Have faith in the film

Rating: 7/10 (22 May 2006)

The film version of Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" is one film where I am stumped by what many of the critics have said. I had read some reviews before seeing the film, which were mostly all negative. Being a fan of the book, I still had faith that film could not be as bad as they were making it out to be. And I was right.
Many of the critics have said Ron Howard takes the fun out of Dan Brown's novel, there is no chemistry between the two main characters Robert and Sophie, the flashbacks are tacky, and it was uninspiring. After reading these comments, I wondered if we were watching the same film. First of all, the film is not boring but I agree that it did not blow me away as I hoped it would. If one has read the book, they will be pleased. If one hasn't, try and keep up because this is not the type of movie where you can zone out and then come back, thinking you didn't miss anything. But most importantly, if you have an open mind, you will enjoy this film.
Secondly, what makes a film fun? Some would say comedy, some would say action. Others might say an intellectual storyline. "The Da Vinci Code" provides us with the choice. Ian McKellan gives a brilliant performance as Sir Leigh that many have said is what finally heightens the film. And my response to that is of course he heightens the film at this point because he bring comic relief to the film when it is needed. Up to this point, we had just experienced a murder, Silas in action, and some car chases. So, well-planned in my opinion. Granted the film is no James Bond film with explosives, car and boat chases, and gunfights every ten minutes; there is still some action in "The Da Vinci Code." But again, I don't think this is the type of film that strives for action as entertainment.
The true entertainment lies in the storyline. I guess some have said they didn't have the same quick-pace feeling as they did when they read the book, or they didn't feel as involved in the treasure hunt as much as they would have liked. Again, was I watching the same film? The point of the letters jumping out at us, the so-called "tacky flashbacks," and aided visuals is to make us feel connected to Robert and Sophie as they too are trying to solve the puzzle and make sense of it. As Robert was trying to figure out the password to the keystone by remembering what Newton's tomb looks like, we also see it and put the pieces together as he does. As Sophie recalls historical events to understand things, we have an image presented to us to make us understand as well. Some of these flashbacks also helped me connect with the characters that at a time, I felt sorry for Silas. Paul Bettany's performance no doubt contributed. So maybe words are not often enough to tell a story, as I can't press the rewind button during a film, unlike the fact that I can read over a certain point in a book till it finally clicks (as I'm sure many did while reading "The Da Vinci Code").
Now to Tom Hanks and Audrey T. Although not their best, the two give good performances. Some have said Tom Hanks looks lost and is sleepwalking through the whole film. He might look like he's sleeping walking because these people might be uninterested in the film and are sleeping themselves because I didn't see that in Robert. If that's the case, this film isn't for them. Robert does at times look "lost," but I think he is suppose to be. He's trying to make sense of everything that has suddenly been thrown at him, which isn't lost but simply thinking through the given situation. I also read one review that asked "why is Sophie so interested (in the case)?" This made me laugh so hard I honestly did not understand why this person was a film critic. The simple answer is because the man that was murdered was her grandfather. It's simply for personal reasons. The chemistry between Robert and Sophie I think could have been played up more, but it certainly wasn't entirely absent. Scenes, such as the one where the two are in the van discussing God and Sophie calms Robert of his claustrophobic nerves, show this chemistry.
Overall, I truly enjoyed the film. I wasn't disturbed by the plot nor did I find it ridiculous, and I'm Catholic. I found it entertaining, interesting, and inspiring. The book inspired me to learn about these theories, not necessarily believe them. And the film inspired me to not only believe what I see with my mind, but that there are other things more powerful that can shape what you believe. And that's your faith.