What a let down!

Rating: 5/10 (17 June 2006)

There are those movies that far surpass the novel on which they are based. Think French Leutenant's woman or Bridges of Madison County! And, then there are those that let the viewer down badly. Da Vinci code is the latest to join the latter category. Captain Corelli's Mandolin is another memorable one of this variety. I remember looking forward to both these movies after thoroughly enjoying the books. What prose and imagery that the authors manage to conjure through words.
John Fowles'(author of the French Leutenant's woman) account of the process of initiating and going through the filming is also noteworthy. He makes it a point to articulate that once the director and script-writer has been selected, as per the desire of the author (with a massive wait for getting the chosen pair on board) the author decides to let go of the reins then on.
Or, is it the choice of the leading actors? Meryl Streep (in both movies) and Clint Eastwood in the latter made a significant impact. However, I found it difficult to visualize Tom Hanks or Nicholas Cage in the manner in and orientation in which they are portrayed in the original books.
Lastly, I enjoyed the illustrated version of the Da Vinci Code was far more than the movie. If you have not seen this edition do give the book a browse!
By the way, ever wondered what could have happened with a more cerebral ( as opposed to action) actor like Kevin Spacey (The Usual Suspects or LA Confidential) or Tim Robbins (Shawshank Redemption or Mystic River) in that role of Langdon in Da Vinci Code??