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The Da Vinci Code Movie Stirs Up Controversy
The Da Vinci Code is a 2006 feature film based on the bestselling 2003 novel The Da Vinci Code, written by Dan Brown. It stars Audrey Tautou opposite Tom Hanks in a plot largely founded on the novel. The film rights were purchased from Brown and filming began on June 30, 2005. Permission to film the Da Vinci Code movie at different locations proved difficult and sometimes impossible. At the Louvre in Paris, for example, the crew was not permitted to shine light on the Mona Lisa, forcing them to use a replica instead.
Release
The film received much hype and was the subject of great debate and controversy.
It was first previewed at the opening night of the Cannes Film Festival
in 2006. The film was later released around the world in the spring of
2006.
Criticism
Because of some controversial interpretations of Christian history, both
the book and The Da Vinci Code movie have been the target of criticism
by the Roman Catholic Church. Some bishops have even urged members to
boycott the film.
At the Cannes Film Festival, the film was not well received, especially during a preview for movie critics. During the main climax (when Sophie Neveu is claimed to be "without a doubt" the "last living descendant of Jesus Christ"), the film was met with thunderous laughter. Nearing the end of the screening, the conclusion of the movie was met with boos.
Critics were divided over the movie. Critical response to The Da Vinci Code movie was mostly negative. Many critics described the film as boring, unhistorical, and full of absurd plot twists, while others enjoyed the suspenseful thriller.
Opening Weekend Earnings
In the end, the film’s producers did not mind the critics since
it earned over US$224 million worldwide its opening weekend, second only
to the opening of 2005's Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. It
is the second highest grossing movie of 2006 worldwide – grossing
over US$750 million to date.
Lead actor Tom Hanks publicly denounced those who wanted to boycott the film based on its biblical and historical inaccuracies. Hanks stated, "Everyone should lighten up, it's a story. We’re all gonna keep saying the word ‘fiction.’ Fiction, fiction, fiction.”
Director Ron Howard also responded to criticism: "It's supposed to be entertainment, not theology. It causes people to stop and think about what they believe. I think that's healthy."
The film was made, to be entertaining for its audience. The question of faith was responded by one of the film’s producers who said, “If you’re sure of your faith and sure of what you believe, whatever comes out shouldn’t affect the core of your belief. At the end of the day, what matters is what you believe." The Da Vinci code movie was one of the highest grossing movies of all time, regardless of what critics thought. Posters for the movie were placed everywhere and have become recognizable around the world. The Da Vinci code movie posters are now available to everyone as they make for a great addition to any collection.
Written by Leon Grey
Leon Grey is the author and webmaster for the website Leonardo
Da Vinci's Life. For a peek at his site, visit www.davincilife.com.