Better than the book

Rating: 9/10 (19 May 2006)

The film starts when Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is lecturing somewhere in Paris at the exact same time as Jacques Souniere (Jean-Pierre Marielle) is followed and murdered by an Opus Dei monk in the Louvre. At his book signing Langdon is approached by a French policeman, who wants him to look at a photo of the crime scene. Langdon is taken to the Louvre to see the crime scene itself. And this is where the charming police cryptologist Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou) appears on the scene and warns Langdon that police captain Fache (Jean Reno) suspects him of murdering Jacques Souniere. Langdon and Neveu try to figure out the clues Souniere left for them which leads them on a quest for an important secret kept by a secret society.
Now, I know that almost everyone has read the novel by Mr. Brown, and there's not much I can do to ruin the story for most people. However, I'd like to stop my summary right here and now, otherwise it may ruin what you will see when/if you go and watch the film.
The press crucified this film, saying it wasn't worth watching, and they did the same for the book. I'd beg to differ though, I truly enjoyed this film, even if it was a tad long. At least while watching it one is not distracted by Mr. Brown's mediocre writing style (and I have to admit the man is a master story teller even if his writing leaves a lot to be desired). There is just one thing wrong with it, and that is Tom Hanks. I do appreciate Mr. Hank's performances in other films have been absolutely wonderful, this part just didn't seem right for him right from the start. I personally pictured George Clooney as Robert Langdon from the minute I read the first chapter.
Hanks certainly tries to fill Robert Langdon's shoes and on occasion he manages to do so for a split second, however his lack of facial expressions (he has two or three in this film  mostly involving a lot of frowning) just didn't do it for me. The lovely Miss Tautou however, is everything and more than I had imagined for the part of 'Princesse Sophie'. I only felt sorry for her since she had to run in those high heeled shoes throughout the film  but well that's Parisian women for you dressed to the nines for every single occasion even if it's going to the supermarket.
When I heard that Paul Bettany had been cast for the part of the Opus Dei monk Silas, I wasn't too sure whether he could pull it off. I had no idea who would be the ideal Silas. Paul Bettany was after all an excellent choice. The emphasis in Silas' performance lies in his deep rooted faith, and his wish to protect the bishop he works for and idolises. Though he is the bad guy in the film, you can't help but feel sorry for him as he is in fact a tragic hero.
Another actor I'd like to compliment on his part in the film is Ian McKellen who plays Sir Leigh Teabing, an eccentric historian and old friend of Robert Langdon. When Langdon and Neveu seek his help, he insists on helping them to sort out the clues that will lead to unraveling the mystery he has searched for for so long. McKellen's performance is outstanding.
What you need to take into account before you go see this film is the following: The parts that are set in France are mainly spoken in French, the bishops and Silas mainly speak Italian or Latin (not quite sure) so you will have to read a lot of subtitles.... However it does give the film an authentic feel.
The premise of the film is slightly different than the storyline in the book. This does not make the story worse... in fact some of the changes actually give the film more strength.
Did I mention I enjoyed the film?