'Da Vinci Code' Gets Lost In Translation

Prolific and acclaimed film director Ron Howard should be applauded for attempting the daunting and challenging task of transferring Dan Brown's cryptic novel The Da Vinci Code to the screen, even though his efforts are only partially successful. Howard accurately recreates the novel's theme and brings its message to life (in fact, some of the dialogue is taken verbatim from the novel). That is definitely an amazing accomplishment, given the complex and technical nature of the subject matter. However, although technically true to the novel, the film for some inexplicable reason is lacking the excitement and mystery of the book and is a perfect example of the popular expression: "something was lost in translation". As the novel's numerous fans will testify, the book is a compelling read, while, surprisingly, the film, "The DaVinci Code" is a plodding, too long, overly didactic, almost two-and-a-half-hour long history/theology lecture which becomes boring at times. How this happened is as much a mystery as some of the symbolic theological mysteries and theories explored in the film.

Several intrinsic and basic Christian beliefs and theories form an underlying premise of the film and serve as the catalyst for the explosive confrontation between opposing believers. Whether Jesus Christ possessed a divine or mortal nature is a fundamental question that believers have struggled with throughout the centuries. Also, the true meaning, location and identity of the much-sought -after Holy Grail, the nature of the sacred feminine, the role of Mary Magdalene and the possible existence of biological descendants of Christ which ensures the continuation of the Royal blood line (Sangreal) are all presented as historical and religious theories that give the viewer a history lesson which is at times confusing and overwhelming, and difficult to assimilate.

Main character Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) is the Harvard professor and symbologist currently in Paris on a speaking engagement who becomes a reluctant participant in solving the murder of the Louvre's curator. Hanks gives a restrained, low-key performance that is appropriate for the role of an internationally renowned academic scholar. As Sophie Neveu, a government photographer who becomes involved as a consultant on the murder case, Audrey Tautou gives a bland, mediocre performance that is easily forgettable. Alfred Molina is convincing as Bishop Aringarosa, the President General of what is portrayed as an extremist Catholic sect, Opus Dei (God's Work), who is determined to keep the identity and location of the Holy Grail and its accompanying documents secret. Renowned British actor Sir Ian McKellen gives the most outstanding performance of the film with his portrayal of Sir Leigh Teabing, the world's foremost Grail historian, who is on a mission to reveal to the world the identity and location for the Sangreal/Holy Grail. Also impressive is the Opus Dei fanatical numerary, the albino monk, Silas (Paul Bettany) who with blind faith and determination relentlessly tries to destroy the Priory of Sion, the elite group responsible for protecting the coveted Holy Grail from outsiders, by murdering all its prominent members. Police Captain Bezu Fache (Jean Reno) also makes a positive contribution to the film as a single-minded, driven police agent whose membership in the Opus Dei sect compromises his job performance. In addition to these performances, the viewer is treated to spectacular set locations in Paris and London, which provide a breathtaking backdrop to the film.

Because of its intricate, complex plot which at times leaves the audience confused, it is highly recommended that the novel should be read before seeing "The Da Vinci Code" in order to have a rudimentary understanding of the concepts and issues explored in the film. This is definitely a film worth seeing, but the viewer should be prepared for an experience that is less rewarding than what is offered by the novel, since much of its adventure and suspense has been "lost in translation".