Thought-provoking story that keeps you guessing until the end

Rating: 9/10 (14 June 2006)

Ron Howard seems to have a Midas touch. I have never seen a movie directed by him that I didn't like, and this one is definitely a plus.
I believe that Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou did an excellent job portraying their characters and the relationship between them. I've heard complaints about how there was little chemistry between their characters, but I actually think that's pretty true to life. Tom Hanks was portraying a Harvard college professor, and as a college student, I can tell you that the smartest, the most scholarly, and the most pragmatic college professors like to keep things professional. There's no room in the personality of Tom Hanks' character to start any chemistry. Audrey Tautou was also great as the cryptologist struggling to face her past and uncover her grandfather's darkest secrets. Hers was an unspoken strength that I found refreshing for a female lead. I appreciate the reserved, professional-style relationship between Hanks and Tautou. Just because the two main characters are a male and a female doesn't mean that they automatically have to fall in love and embrace in a passionate kiss in every movie. Their closeness was intangible. It was shown through their gestures and their facial expressions, not their words. It was a silent acknoledgement and appreciation of the other's profession and personality, and I don't even think the dialogue between them was wooden at all. These were two characters who were just thrown into extraordinary circumstances, and I think they handled it pretty well.
Hats also should go off to Paul Bettany (Silas), Jean Reno, and Ian McKellen. Bettany's performance gave me chills throughout the entire movie, but what was even more creepy was at times, I actually found myself pitying his character. Jean Reno's performance was above average as the dignified but vicious police officer pursuing Hanks and Tautou. Like many of the characters, he portrayed his emotions mainly through facial expressions and actions rather than words, and he was excellent at it. You could feel the coldness in his eyes as he watched Tom Hanks in the murder investigation sequence. You could tell he suspected Tom Hanks right from the get go, and he wasn't going to stop until he had both Hanks and Tautou behind bars. Ian McKellen is always wonderful in anything he does, and he provided the perfect witty comic relief for this movie. The argument he has with Hanks while Hanks and Tautou are hiding out in his home was great and true to life. It reminded me of my English professors in my college class during a lecture. I could see any two scholars having the same debate over the historical accuracy of the story of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdelene. Where he falls short is a scene he tries to grab the dial that Hanks tosses up in the air. He's supposed to be playing a crippled man, but when he's running to catch the dial before it hits the ground, he barely even uses his crutches. Other than that, his performance was very convincing, but don't get too attached to his character. That's all I'm going to say.
But where this movie shines the most is its cinematography and its plot development. The locations in this film are beautiful, and there is a beautiful scene of Mary Magdelene's coffin in front of a single red rose in a vase with a gleam of sunlight touching the sculpture of her body. It is breathtaking. The plot development is awesome. Just when you think you've figured out a character, something happens or they do something that you never expected. Even when I thought I had figured something out plot-wise, another twist would put me right back to square one. However, when you finally do reach the ending, it all makes sense, and that makes for a great plot. This really is a treasure hunt-style movie.
I must finally acknowledge Hans Zimmer for the amazing original score that shines its best at the very last scene.
Overall, this movie is wonderful. With intelligent characters, beautiful backdrops, an uplifting score, a plot full of twists and turns, and thought-provoking questions on religion, The Da Vinci Code will leave you guessing throughout the film and talking when it's all over.
I give it an A. Great job all around.