'Da Vinci Code' secret is out: Panned before premiere
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-05-18 11:14
"A pulpy page-turner in its original incarnation as a huge international
bestseller has become a stodgy, grim thing in the exceedingly literal-minded
film version of The Da Vinci Code," wrote Todd McCarthy.
Lee Marshall of Screen International agreed.
"I haven't read the book, but I just thought there was a ridiculous amount of
exposition," he said. "I thought it was plodding and there was a complete lack
of chemistry between Audrey Tautou and Tom Hanks."
Lou Lumenick of the New York Post was far more upbeat:
"Ron Howard's splendid The Da Vinci Code is the Holy Grail of summer
blockbusters: a crackling, fast-moving thriller that's every bit as brainy and
irresistible as Dan Brown's controversial bestseller."
Critics say the controversy surrounding the film, and the fact more than 40
million people have bought the book, will ensure a strong box office
performance, but they believe word-of-mouth is likely to hit sales later on.
The movie industry will be watching The Da Vinci Code particularly closely
after the first two summer blockbusters -- "Mission: Impossible III" and
"Poseidon" -- stumbled.
Howard had some advice for those who objected to the story.
"There's no question that the film is likely to be upsetting to some people.
My advice is ... to not go and see the movie if you think you're going to be
upset."
Ian McKellen, an openly gay actor who plays Leigh Teabing in The Da Vinci
Code, tried to make light of the controversy.
"I'm very happy to believe that Jesus was married," he said. "I know the
Catholic Church has problems with gay people and I thought this would be
absolute proof that Jesus was not gay."
The opening ceremony and Da Vinci Code premiere kick off 12 hectic days of
screenings, interviews, photocalls and partying in Cannes, the world's biggest
film festival.
|
