Today’s quick review: The Da Vinci Code. The murder of a museum curator draws religious symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) and French policewoman Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou) into an ancient mystery involving a secretive sect of the Catholic Church. Pursued by a dogged inspector (Jean Reno) and a murderous fanatic (Paul Bettany), the two seek the help of British scholar Leigh Teabing (Ian McKellen) to decipher the clues.
The Da Vinci Code is a mystery thriller based on the novel by Dan Brown. The Da Vinci Code posits a sweeping conspiracy theory based on obscure historical facts and symbology. Robert and Sophie are left with a series of cryptic clues to guide them: hidden messages, artistic breadcrumbs, and centuries-old riddles. The Da Vinci Code is an inventive thriller with a competent plot and polished presentation.
The Da Vinci Code’s mystery is a compelling one. The plot is suitably complex, with dramatic beats that are handled well for a thriller of its kind. The movie taps into the allure of a realistic conspiracy theory, sprinkling juicy historical tidbits along the way. The whole affair is backed by varied performances from a skilled cast, smart direction, and a subtly impressive soundtrack from Hans Zimmer.
Though The Da Vinci Code has a subtler touch than most mysteries, the machinery of the plot shows through in places. The mystery noticeably bends to accommodate Robert’s skill set, and his leaps of logic are often dubious. The movie is also riddled with plot holes of varying sizes and controversial interpretations of history. These issues are only relevant because the movie aims high, but they distract from its otherwise solid craftsmanship.
Give The Da Vinci Code a try when you are in the mood for a serious and unusually rich thriller. The plot does not necessarily hold up to a skeptical eye, but its fascinating subject matter and strong fundamentals make it worth checking out for the curious. Skip it if you are a habitually critical viewer or you dislike shots taken at the Catholic Church. For a less dramatic conspiracy with a touch of comedy, check out National Treasure.
6.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for an intriguing premise and solid presentation.