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The Da Vinci Code
Faithful to the Book

REVIEW BY KAL PAREKH

Directed by Ron Howard written by Akiva Goldsman. Based on the novel by Dan Brown. 148 mins. PG-13

While reading Dan Brown's best selling book, one can only wonder how thrilling it would be to see it translated to the big screen. After watching Ron Howard's adaptation I can say he has done a faithful job. There are moments in the film that mirror the images that you had when reading the book. There is so much controversy already; I wish not to dwell on it too much. 

First and foremost it was the best selling book for about a "million weeks", and that alone tells you that people are drawn to this subject matter for whatever reason. 

And yes, it was under the "fiction" section, meaning that it is imaginative; invented. It is preposterous to think otherwise. So why not let people think and wonder..."it's good for the brain". 

Sure there were a few people who I saw walking out of the theatre after the secret was explained half way through the movie (clearly these were the few who hadn't read the book). There were twice as many people walking out when I saw Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ" It was still a very effective and moving film. "So what is it like for the 20-30 people on earth who haven't read the book"? Well, I asked one, and she loved it! 

Some times a film is shrouded by so much controversy and attention that it becomes impossible for it to live up to expectations and it is difficult for one to see it with a clear mind. This film is very entertaining, engrossing and even glorious at times. 

I honestly don't understand the fascination with Tom Hanks' hair. It was an acting choice that he made and its how his hair looks when it is long, WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL! Sure he is not "Harrison Ford in Harris Tweed" but I think he is quite good as Robert Langdon. It is the intellectual action that's exciting for him instead of the physical. That is why he is paired with Sophie who is actually good at escaping through the bathrooms and streets of Paris. Audrey Tautou has the look and feel of the mysterious Sophie Neveu and carries the confusion, frustration and the quiet anger throughout the film. Paul Bettany is perfect as Silas. Sir Ian Mc Kellen indulges in his portrayal of Leigh Teabing. The rest of the characters are also cast very well. Ron Howard doesn't bore us with lengthy explanations of the historical aspects of the story but shows us on screen as Langdon narrates. This would be a positive note about the film where the few people who haven't read the book can do so and enjoy it with all the little details. 

Books are always more exciting and wondrous because your imagination takes flight and there are no boundaries in your mind. But it is also a wondrous thing to see it come to life and unfold in front of your eyes. That is why we love "Harry Potter" and "Lord of the Rings". "The Da Vinci Code" is no different. All the characters, clues, mysterious to the fantastic locations and revelations of the book are in front of you to soak in and to indulge a bit. It is up to you to let all the hype and controversy affect your ability to enjoy the film.

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