below average movie

Rating: 4/10 (6 June 2006)

There has been a lot of talk about this movie recently, so I have decided to watch it myself. I must admit that I'm disappointed. I did not read the book, so I don't know if the director was forced to display so many absurd situations by the original story, or it was his own idea.
The story begin when mortally shot man wrote riddles and anagrams on the paintings and floor of the museum. Commissar investigating the case is bringing his main suspect into this site instead of arresting him (and he will delete the main evidence from the floor before). Then the suspect will miraculously escape. Escapes in this movie are really funny. Like when the man with the gun was attacked by pigeon inside the cathedral, or escape in the backseat of the car from the hangar surrounded by police. Story is quite boring and linear. The basic idea of creating the chain of riddles all around the Europe to acquire the password for the casket is unrealistic.
Acting was fairly good. Except for Audrey Tautou, who seemed little affected in some scenes. Surely this was not the best performance of Tom Hanks and Jean Reno, but it was acceptable.
I cannot remember of any music from the movie. I guess there was some, but it was very fading and forgettable. It is a pity, because for mystery movies, the music is quite important to emphasize the atmosphere.
The movie is quite controversial, and I think it is the only reason for its popularity. It is also the only reason to watch this movie. If all religious contents will be erased and replaced by something similar, but not so controversial, this would be below average movie.