The Da Vinci Code (2006) - Reviews & Comments Thread [Merged]

[P. Cushing]

I pictured
Langdon - Billy Petersen
Fache - Gionicci Giowhatsit (from Hannibal)
Teabing - Tony Hopkins

 

[Donnie Darko]

for Silas, I pictured Andrew Bryniarski (The Program, Texas Chainsaw Massacre)

 

[Spidey-Bat]

My mom and sister like the books. They think Hanks was a miscast aswell. They think Jim Caviezel should have been Langdon. Which is kinda weird since he played Jesus.

 

[The Storm]

Good choice but wouldn't he be too young.

 

[Themanofbat]

Well the book is a fiction, but I do belive Jesus did have a wife ore a mistress that may have been Mary and could have even had children. We will never know caue he has so much mystery around him and so many things written about him. To simply discredit it, would be plan naive imo.

If you want to get more accurate details from which the fictional Da Vinci code is based on, please read "The Holy Blood & The Holy Grail", as well as its follow-up "The Messianic Legacy", both authored by Henry Lincoln, Michael Baignent & Richard Leigh.

It's a fascinating read.

 

[The Lizard]

If you want to get more accurate details from which the fictional Da Vinci code is based on, please read "The Holy Blood & The Holy Grail", as well as its follow-up "The Messianic Legacy", both authored by Henry Lincoln, Michael Baignent & Richard Leigh.

If by "accurate", you mean widely debunked.


- And how you doin' TMOB - long time no see.

 

[Themanofbat]

If by "accurate", you mean widely debunked.

- And how you doin' TMOB - long time no see.

If it's widely debunked, it's only because people like Laura Miller & most other christians have a hard time accepting something other than what they've been told since birth.

And I'm doing well Lizzy... hope all is good with you.

 

[The Lizard]

If it's widely debunked, it's only because people like Laura Miller & most other christians have a hard time accepting something other than what they've been told since birth.

And I'm doing well Lizzy... hope all is good with you.

Since Laura Miller is a columnist for the NY Times and Salon.com, I'd guess that she's not your average conservative Christian.

But yeah, I wouldn't just accept one person's claim of debunking either. I'm trying to find out more about these references:

Plantard's hoax was debunked by a series of (as yet untranslated) French books and a 1996 BBC documentary

Particularly the BBC documentary. If BBC America was on top of things they'd dig up that docu and get some Da Vinci Code-related ratings for themselves as well!

 

[Timstuff]

The Da Vinci Code is a bunch of garbage based on a hoax. Jesus was never married and never had any sexual relations with anyone. He was God in human flesh, and for him to have relations of that sort with a Human would be even worse than when the Angels, according to the bible, took human wives and gave birth to the Nephilum race (who Goliath was one of). There is no historical evidence that Jesus had a wife, and what little there was has been shown as false. I enjoy historical fiction, but when it's based on some obscure conspiracy theory that we already know is un-true then I think it's absurd, and only serves to propogate one's personal opinion.

 

[Timstuff]

If by "accurate", you mean widely debunked.


- And how you doin' TMOB - long time no see.

BTW Lizard, that was a good read. Thanks for the link.

 

[Themanofbat]

Since Laura Miller is a columnist for the NY Times and Salon.com, I'd guess that she's not your average conservative Christian.

But yeah, I wouldn't just accept one person's claim of debunking either. I'm trying to find out more about these references:

Particularly the BBC documentary. If BBC America was on top of things they'd dig up that docu and get some Da Vinci Code-related ratings for themselves as well!

I've heard some stuff about Pierre Plantard's stuff being bogus a few years ago... I'd like to see more on that. He plays a major role in revealing the history of the Preurie de Sion.

Nonetheless, as far as a more detailed history of Jesus the MAN, both books take a great look at his life, as well as Barbara Theiring's "Jesus the Man", all of which have nothing to do with Plantard and/or his historical knowledge of this very secret society.

 

[The Watchman]

If you want to get more accurate details from which the fictional Da Vinci code is based on, please read "The Holy Blood & The Holy Grail", as well as its follow-up "The Messianic Legacy", both authored by Henry Lincoln, Michael Baignent & Richard Leigh.

It's a fascinating read.

I saw a great special on the history channel also, going to check out Holy Blood Holy Grail very soon.

 

[Themanofbat]

I saw a great special on the history channel also, going to check out Holy Blood Holy Grail very soon.

I'm envious....

When I read it back in 1992, I couldn't put it down and it litterally changed my life.

 

[The Watchman]

Wait...I don't want any life changes, last time that happened I started wearing manties...

 

[Carmine Falcone]

WHAT is the movie about?

 

[dpm07]

This will easily be one of the biggest films of the year. Easily. The book is still in the Top 10, and the pre-quel Angels & Demons is also high on the charts. Dan Brown is a phenomenal writer. Whether you agree or disagree with his approach and controversial topical issues relating to the subject matter, it is still a hotly debated topic among Theologians and Historians regardless of denomination; i.e. Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox.

This is going to be a great movie. If it's only as half as good as the book, it will still be exceptionally great.

Holy Blood, Holy Grail is a really great read as well. I'm Catholic, and I loved it. Sure, it does blow holes in certain viewpoints, but if you go in with an open mind, you'll see where the authors are coming from. I've actually taught Art History & Culture at the university level, and highly recommend it because of the symbology contained within. Most conservative fundamental christians that I have met have a hard time enjoying the writings versus the Catholics and Orthodox that I have talked to. Ironically, I got turned on to reading the book by a Catholic priest who loved it.

Dan Brown's next Robert Langdon novel is going to address the secret society of The Masons. Another great subject for the book. The book is going to be called The Solomon Key.

 

[Victor Von Doom]

I still don't see Tom Hanks as the lead for this. He'll probably pull it off though.

 

[dpm07]

I still don't see Tom Hanks as the lead for this. He'll probably pull it off though.

To tell you the truth, his being chosen for the role came out of left field for me as well. Still, it's Hanks and Ron Howard together. They'll do a good job.

 

[Hunter Rider]

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/davincicodenews.php?id=10217

Source: News24.com
June 30, 2005



News24.com reports that Columbia Pictures started filming The Da Vinci Code yesterday. The anticipated adaptation of the Dan Brown novel, directed by Ron Howard, stars Tom Hanks, Jean Reno, Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina and Paul Bettany. The site says:

Filming began late on Wednesday at the Ritz hotel in central Paris, according to Le Parisien newspaper.

It was to continue all night on Thursday at the nearby famous Louvre, where the Mona Lisa is kept, for the novel's opening scene in which the museum's fatally wounded director leaves a cryptic message for Langdon.

Hanks, Howard and their team will also be taking the camera to Britain for several location shoots, although officials there have refused to make Westminster Abbey available to recreate an important scene because the book's premise was considered theologically unsound.

The studio is planning a May 19, 2006 release date for the thriller.

 

[Makeshift Celebrity]

Dan Brown is a hack writer. I can't stand him.

And Christians need to get over themselves. Just because you think God plopped a perfect kid down on earth doesn't mean everyone has to believe that.

 

[Hunter Rider]

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/topnews.php?id=10227

Exclusive Da Vinci Code Set Report

Source: Larryfilm
July 1, 2005



While art curators have found a new Leonardo Da Vinci drawing hidden beneath the surface of one of the Renaissance artist's most celebrated works, The Virgin of the Rocks, filming on the big screen adaptation of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code. Scooper 'Larryfilm' was on-hand to get a first look at what director Ron Howard is doing.

Wednesday June 29 2005 was the 1st official shooting day for DVC at Paris' exclusive, upscale Place Vendome. I was there by accident with some friends around 9:00PM. We bumped into a pretty big film crew that was prepping the first shot. Before the very imposing security detail and Paris PD evacuated the square around 10:00pm, we were able to appreciate the scope of the production.

First of all, for those of you not familiar with Paris, Place Vendome is a pretty large, very elegant square surrounded by exclusive 19th century 6-story limestone "palaces", including world famous Ritz Hotel. The square itself is pretty much void of cars and pavement is in small cobblestone, adding a feeling of "chic" and magnificence to it, so typical of the City of Light.

There were no less than 80 to 100 crew members and they had 3 latest model Panavision cams ("A", "B" and "C" cams with their own 8-people dedicated crew) with LCD secondary viewfinder to help the focus puller check at all time the frame's accuracy (focus, lighting, etc.). A major remote controlled crane (60-ft long) was sitting on tracks perpendicular to the Ritz Hotel Main entrance. That area being already cordoned off and shielded by an impressive security detail, we decided to wait as much as we could across the square, where I could briefly talked to P.As (Production Assistants). All of them had some kind of Clearance Badge that was sporting the new DVC logo/initials (the one from the poster) and a color code depending on which restriction access level there were. Two of those guys has the time to tell me that after shooting all night on Place Vendome, the crew would move to the Louvre this Thursday night (6/30) for a long 2-week shoot, before security arrived and literally kicked us out. Said P.As told us that next week they would shoot as well around St Sulpice (but no specific date yet) and that in the near future (thanks for being that specific!) producers will request "car driving extras" for Robert Langdon faked escape from the Louvre, when dozen of Paris PD cars are chasing the big truck on which RL allegedly jumped and hid. I'll go rent a car right away!!

Anyway, while we were pushed outside the perimeter, thus unable to see anything, they started lighting heavily the square (very impressive) and we caught a glimpse of director Ron Howard's Mercedes 500 SL limo which stopped 10 yards from us: he just walked to the set and with the casual way he was dressed (a worn cap, t-shirt, jeans, sneakers), who would think this was one of the world most famous and respected directors?

BTW, we couldn't see any member of the cast who where brought on set by a small motorcade of black Mercedes minivans whith heavily tinted windows. Bummer! We'll try to go to the Louvre tonight (where there are setting up 13 Motion Picture Power generators and prepping a very large parking area to accomodate the 40-truck transportation department + a huge tent for catering/craft service that one P.A. told me can accomodate 150+ crew/cast member at the same time).

I'll come back later in the week to add more on site news. BTW, for those of you wondering, pics and video filming where banned, evene with cellphones (security was everywhere, but unable to prevent me to grab precious insider info from P.As!), thus I did not have a chance to even take one or two pics.

'Larryfilm' sent a follow-up report as well:

Yesterday, Thursday June 30, the DVC cast and crew was filming street scenes on Paris upscale Rue de Rivoli in the French capital 1st District (1er arrondissement), right along the Louvre Museum. We were on set (well, actually "by" the set for the production security detail made sure that passersby would not stop and go on with their walking) around 11:00pm, and we could see one huge crane with several HMI flood literally "sun lighting" the street.

As we found a "safe" spot at a street corner were security and PAs where too busy to tell us to keep moving on, Paris PD TCM (Police Dept Traffic Control Management) just stopped traffic in front of us. Then a huge filming truck with 10-crew members and director Ron Howard on board and additional Keno-flo (= neon soft lighting) came in from a perpendicular street, with two "A" and "B" Panavision 35 mm cams on it, and the cast car (the super mini-sized "Smart") attached to it thanks to a low bed that gives the feeling that the car is actually being driven by the actors. Behind the Smart car were several crew and extras cars, creating a fake, messy traffic jam.

Anyway, we were no more than 10 yards from the actual shooting and could clearly see Audrey Tautou/Sophie Neveu driving and obviously having an animated conversation with a slim and tanned (yes, tanned !) Tom Hanks/Robert Langdon. They reshot the scene several times. Very nice to have a close up of the actors yet the scene itself was not particularly interesting for we could not hear the dialogues...

Tonight (Friday 1st of July), additional scenes will be shot around the Louvre, including Robert Langdon's arrival to the crime scene (well the driving part at least).

Columbia Pictures will release The Da Vinci Code on May 19, 2006.

 

[The Storm]

Thanks for the info Hunter, glad to hear some updates and was suprised with the cast. Paul Bettany last I read Christopher Eccleston (Dr Who) was among the cast playing Silas.

 

[Hunter Rider]

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/davincicodenews.php?id=10236

New Da Vinci Code Set Report & Pics!

Source: Larryfilm
July 2, 2005



Scooper 'Larryfilm' has sent us another report and the first pictures from the set of director Ron Howard's The Da Vinci Code, which give you a first look at Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon:

Following my two previous exclusive scoops, here are some pics that fellow "scooper" marcelo_56 hinted me on. They show Tom Hanks' brand new look (long hair, tanned skinned and trendy clothings) as well as Ron Howard waiting while a shot is being prepped on June 30.

On the other hand, yesterday night (Friday July 1st), I returned to DVC's set at the Louvre with a camera to try to grab some shots... to no avail! I even wanted to take some pics of the huge parking lot East of the Louvre (10 big black electric dept. trucks, 10 grip trucks, 5 make-up trucks and 10 huge "star waggon" style cast trailers), but, once again, heavy security and even Paris PD were preventing anybody to take pics (there is also a big 8-foot metallic fence surrounding the production camp, occulted with white yet opaque fabric).

However, I had the chance to see the filming of Robert Langdon escape with Sophie Neveu in the tiny silver Smart car, exiting the "Guichets du Louvre" (one again lit by three huge crane-mounted flood HMIs) at high speed, nearly avoiding (fake) traffic and speeding into the Rue de Rivoli. After the first shot, I was "shocked" when the "principal car" returned to set... right in font of me (no more than 10 feet away) and I could clearly see Audrey Tautou and Tom Hanks, for they were lit from under by neon style light. That shot got wrapped around Midnight and moved to 1st and 2nd unit "chase" shots where police looks for the couple. But the street was being evacuated so no more sightseeing.

Oh, BTW, while leaving the area, I literally bumped into Tom Hanks limo returning to prod camp, a last model black Range Rover with tinted windows and Great Britain license plates and Rita Wilson in the front with Tom Hanks leaning forward from the back seat and talking to her. Very nice closeup.

 

[Pablo Parker]

looks like Tom lost some weight... which is good for the role...

 

[Poeman]

tom looks good there kinda how i pictured langdon.. only my prob was with the voice he has.. kinda wierd