Anagrams and Symbols

Rating: 7/10 (22 May 2006)

Da Vinci Code when viewed strictly on its own merit worked flawlessly as a well-executed mystery thriller. There's mind-boggling suspense, unexplained theories and unresolved mysteries within the span of the film's 150 minutes.
However, when it comes to the subject material, staunch Christians were riled no end by Dan Brown's fiction, calling them blasphemous lies. The published book certainly didn't quite create a stir back in 2003. Yes, the thing is, in a bid to confine the movie to a reasonable 150 minutes on screen, part of the intriguing plot in print was left out, making viewers who haven't read the book beforehand guess more than they should.
Dan Brown's postulations were taken too seriously by some quarters. He never really claimed that they were true but merely conjectures based on his research or understanding of the faith.
Now, the acting. I am generally pleased with the performances by the cast despite criticisms that Tom Hanks didn't look the part of the character David Langdon in the book. Well, I thought he did well. After all, Hanks gives the character of the symbologist his own flavor, his facial expressions conveyed a sense of urgency in solving the mystery and clearing his name.
Audrey Tautou who plays professional cryptographer Sophie Neuve is perhaps the only likable character throughout the show. The role might not demand much of her as the sidekick of Hanks' Langdon but Tautou gives an adequate performance coming to terms with her grandfather's death and discovering her true identity.
Ian McKellen's over-zealous Sir Leigh Teabing adds to the mystery when Langdon and Neuve turns up at his door seeking for help to unravel the hidden truth. McKellen's acting prowess is undoubtedly splendid.
Paul Bettany's in his role as the obsessed and self-mutilating-in-the-name-of-god Silas was scene-stealing (he was almost unrecognizable). The conviction in his eyes and behaviour would be one of the highs of the movie as he seeks to further the cause of the religion.
My only disappointment was with Jean Reno. But again, his role was severely limited so we could only see his Opus Dei character Captain Fache pull a long face and all the stops at trying to foil Langdon's and Neuve's plans at every juncture.
No one should really complain at the adequacy of The Da Vinci Code as a functioning thriller despite some of Dan Brown's more ludicrous assertions. After all, we must remember this is fiction not theology. The way to enjoy the Da Vinci Code on screen is to watch it with a free and unprejudiced mind. (B+)