An Excellent Adaptation of An Excellent Book

Rating: 9/10 (20 May 2006)

When a book like "Da Vinci Code" needs to be adapted to the big screen, the task is usually extremely difficult. The "Da Vinci Code" book is not only a great thriller, but it also fascinates the reader with the abundance of puzzles, trivia, and historical information that it contains. But above all, it is a book which raises an alternative version regarding the roots of Christianity: Whether this version is right or wrong is irrelevant here; Dan Brown provides the reader with an opinion, and it is up to the reader himself to decide the true version of events.
Given that "Da Vinci Code" is such a complex book, does it have any chance to succeed in the big screen? Fortunately for us, the answer is a solid yes! Although I went to watch the film rather reserved, bracing myself for a big anticlimax, I was very positively surprised to see that Ron Howard has done a great job. The "Da Vinci Code" film is as close to the "Da Vinci Code" book as it gets. The plot follows loyally the book's story, and more importantly, the overall atmosphere is exactly what one would expect after having read the novel.
As far as the characters are concerned, I believe that each of the protagonists has been correctly cast to perform his/her role: Tom Hanks is quite convincing as the investigative professor Langdon; although I thought him to be a bit misplaced for this role when I first heard that he was the one to take it, I was utterly relieved to be proved wrong to be skeptical. His screen partner, Audrey Tautou, is also very good as the charming cryptanalyst Sophie Nevau.
Ian McKellen and Jean Reno are definitely the best choices for their respective roles: It would not be an exaggeration if I said that when I read the book I imagined the looks and styles of Sir Lee and Captain Fache as being quite similar to the ones of the two actors. Both of them make a perfect fit in their roles.
Finally, Paul Bettany plays the difficult role of Silas more than satisfactorily.
All in all, the film is very impressive, and as I said previously, it follows the book loyally. Hard-core book fans might be disappointed, as a film can never capture everything a book contains: However, these people should not watch the film at all, as they are bound to be disappointed no matter what. For the rest of us, who enjoyed the book and wished for a good film to complement it, "Da Vinci Code" is what we wanted: 9/10.