Last Friday evening, Brian, Melanie, and I went to the Da Vinci Code. If we Julians are known for anything (besides being computer geeks), it is for being movie buffs. When gathered together for some occasion or other, Dad, Brian, and I frequently get into conversations that require a run to imdb.com to sort out who played what in which. So it was fairly natural that when the next big movie that people would be hitting each other upside the head about came out, we would be there.
Many Christians would argue that I should not have gone to see the Da Vinci Code at all. And I can, honestly, understand and respect that opinion. But the way I see it, paying for a movie ticket does not necessarily mean you are endorsing the film you are about to see. In fact, I think it is valuable for Christians to understand what they are up against. (I would argue that this theory does not apply for films that feature gratuitous sex or similarly tasteless content.) But even though I feel okay about seeing the movie, I am more than a bit disturbed by the freedom which Dan Brown (apparently) feels he can play fast and loose with history. I am also afraid that this slick package of a movie will only encourage what seems to be the general consensus on Christianity these days: namely, that it’s great… for those poor souls who are stupid enough to need “faith” as a crutch or an escape from reason. Those crazy Christians… they want to believe in their “version” of Jesus so much that they’re willing to steal and murder to protect it.
So why did I go to see this movie at all? You could partially chalk it up to “train wreck appeal.” I knew that whatever this movie did, it was going to do it in a BIG way and make a big impact on future opinions and conversations. I guess I just wanted to be a spectator to all that. Another, sillier reason is that Brian and Melanie (my brother and sister-in-law) were going, and I wanted to go with them. 
And, for all its existential faults, the movie was entertaining. The puzzles that the characters had to solve to follow their treasure hunt were very outrageous and fun. I enjoyed watching them figure it all out. But at the same time, every time Dan Brown’s agenda would rear its ugly head, it became a lot harder to enjoy the movie.
Speaking of “train wreck appeal,” you know what else was really entertaining? Watching this movie with Melanie. Every time this one certain creepy albino character appeared, Melanie would practically jump out of her seat. At one particularly tense moment, as the theater lay in expectant stillness, ALL OF A SUDDEN this certain creepy albino character leaped out of the shadows to grab another character’s throat, and while all of us were surprised, Melanie actually shrieked “OHNOO!!” so loudly that the entire theater could distinctly recognize her voice. Everyone momentarily forgot about the movie, turning instead to look at Melanie who was sinking deep down into her seat. I could hear pockets of giggles and snarky comments drifting towards us from all over the theater. The amusement I derived from this entire situation was only compounded by the fact that fifteen minutes later she screamed AGAIN when the same character appeared onscreen. This time, the couple sitting next to us could barely contain their laughter. 
(Please don’t kill me, Melanie. It was a story that needed to be told. )
May 23rd, 2006 at 5:39 pm
I havent seen the movie yet but have read the book. I agree that Christians should go and see it so they can counter people who may not know any better and actaully believes the mumbo jumbo. BTW……the pale creepy guy is suposed to be Silas.
May 24th, 2006 at 10:12 am
I suppose all are subject to the story teller.
But in my defense - what’s the point of a suspensful scene, if no one screams?
May 27th, 2006 at 3:17 pm
Melanie - Yay! I finally got you to comment! Will you comment more if I post more embarrassing stories about you?
May 31st, 2006 at 4:09 pm
Typically speaking I don’t like to read books before I see their cinematic adaptations. So, I didn’t have to worry about making any sort of comparision between the Dan Brown novel and what I was seeing up on the screen. I just judged it as a movie, and as a movie I thought it was mediocre. I was entertained by it, but I’ve never felt that Ron Howard was a brilliant director. He’s a competent director certainly (more of an artisan than an artist) and he’s made some very good movies (”Apollo 13″ is probably the closest he’s come to producing a truly great film) as well as some turkeys (”The Grinch” anyone?), but I thought “Da Vinci Code” was not one of his better efforts.
First of all, it’s too long. I don’t have a problem with long films. I just ask that they be that they be paced well. Despite having two editors, this film was very clunkily paced. They should’ve aimed for a maximum length of two hours. It could’ve easily been achieved with just a little bit of tightening up here and there. They wouldn’t have even had to excise any scenes (although that wouldn’t have been a bad idea either).
Aside from Ian McKellen, whom my Dad and I both agreed steals virtually every scene he’s in, the performances are pretty forgettable. The writing is far too “on the nose” for my taste (Hanks’ speech at the end is absolutely horrible) and the story is… Well, I don’t I have to say anything about that, or the whole controversy surrounding it, since I’m sure you are probably sick to death of hearing about it already.
Anyway, I enjoyed the film. It wasn’t the worst movie I’ve seen so far this year (cough Poseidon cough), but it was by no means the best either.